ME and MY MONEY:Joe Macken Restaurateur
Are you a saver or a spender?
I am such a spender it’s ridiculous. It’s like water through my hands – I’m terrible.
Do you shop around for better value?
No, I don’t even know the price of anything.
What has been your most extravagant purchase ever and how much did it cost?
It was a jumper in Brown Thomas and I’m actually not going to tell you how much it was because it had four figures. It was Ballantyne – handmade, mohair, beautiful Scottish sweater.
What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
Probably my mobile phone. It’s a HTC Sensation. I can’t live without it but it’s my fourth one this year. I drop them or lose them. I’m really bad for dropping them in the restaurant because I carry them in my hand all the time.
Have you ever crossed the Border to shop?
No, I think it’s wrong. I could eat at home but I purposely go and eat out. I don’t eat in my own restaurant. We have a coffee machine in our office and in all our restaurants but I still go and support local businesses. It’s really, really important.
Do you haggle over prices?
No. On the basis that I have a relationship with all my suppliers and I don’t haggle but nor do I expect them to screw me. Those people have supported me throughout.
Has the recession changed your spending habits?
It hasn’t changed my habits but I do have less money so I can’t spend as much.
Do you invest in shares?
No. I did once. I bought £3,000 of shares from Granada Television when I worked for the company and they’re absolutely useless. They used to own hotels as well when I worked for them and the prices were meant to go through the roof and then they didn’t. They actually went through the ground.
Cash or card?
Cash. Always.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
Lunch in Coppinger Row today – there were three of us for lunch and it was €28 and it was really good. I thought that was amazing.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
No, I do without – I’m a “beans on toast” person. I’ll eat beans and toast for a month if I want something.
Have you ever lost money?
I lost lots with Jo’Burger in Blackrock.
Are you a gambler and if so have you ever had a big win?
I’m completely not a gambler. My mum and dad love the races but I don’t get it. I don’t even do the Lotto.
Is money important to you?
I think if you worry about it, it’s too consuming, so no.
How much money do you have on you?
€354 because I’m bringing my parents out for dinner tonight as it’s my dad’s birthday.
Joe Macken recently opened Crackbird on Dublin’s South William St.
In conversation with Claire O’Mahony
