The 15th anniversary of the founding of an Armagh city-based chip shop has been marred by backlash from a rival business over the erection of their new sign.
The takeaway celebrating the anniversary revealed their new ‘Cordelias Newry Road’ sign in yellow and red branding which sparked an online response from the owner and namesake of Cordelia’s on the Ring Road, Cordelia Malone, whose branding is also in striking red and yellow.
Brian Ruddin – the owner of Cordelias Newry Road – and Cordelia Malone had previously enjoyed a business partnership which spanned over a decade.
However, the pair parted ways in 2024 and the Newry Road shop site has since remained operational – but sign-less – under Brian’s directorship.
Cordelia’s property on the Ring Road was opened after her former premises on the Killylea Road was devastated during a fire which was believed to have started at the property in July 2024. When she moved to the new premises, Cordelia maintained her business name and branding.
Yesterday (August 27) Brian hosted the anniversary celebrations, revealing his new sign while also launching a “major new environmental project” which he regards as a “first for Northern Ireland”.
The new environmental project constitutes a “bottle drop” where recyclable bottles would be brought to his shop by members of the public in exchange for a voucher to be used at Cordelias Newry Road.
Brian explained to Armagh I that he believes the project will help schools in the area save considerable money in waste removal and will be of great benefit to all across the county.
Also invited to the launch was young Cordelia Smyth who Brian says has been a “loyal Newry Road customer for many years”.
However, upon receiving a photograph of the new sign being installed, Cordelia of Cordelia’s on the Ring Road took to social media to clarify the issue with her customers.
Said Cordelia: “It came to our attention yesterday morning via a WhatsApp photo that our name is back on the Newry Road. We have had a good laugh since.
“This will be our final post on this matter. We just want to clear a few things up for our customers…”
Light-heartedly inserting humour into the situation, she said of a photo she received of a man placing the sign: “First and foremost. I have not had a sex change. That is not me in the photo. Apologies to anyone who assumed this.
“Secondly, Cordelia Malone, Cordelia’s Fish and Chip Shop Ring Road has NOT returned to the chip shop on the Newry Road.”
While she is disgruntled by the use of her business’ name at the property just miles away, she says her attitude today is “let them”.
She adds: “I’ve stopped wasting my energy on things that are out of my control. I’m more at peace now than I ever was.
“To all my lovely customers, I wish you all a wonderful weekend and thank you for your continued support. With your support, I am able to support our people in the Armagh community. Thank you.”
Brian defends his stance, claiming to own the copyright for use of the name and states he is merely exercising his legal right.
He explained to Armagh I that he founded Cordelia’s and added: “I was the man who put the name on it originally and I started the business off, so that’s why I use the name.”
He added: “I always say ‘There’s enough room for everyone’.”
For the bottle drop initiative, Brian says ten bins have been delivered today (August 28) and the project is ready and up and running.
