An Armagh man tells how his accomplishments didn’t happen overnight with one major set back inspiring his business venture.
Tony Arthurs, started his career in hospitality at the ripe age of just 16! Training in De-Avril House, Armagh under the watchful eye of the talented late chef Tony Hughes – with Tony reminiscing how he was always highly inspired by the way Tony worked and operated his kitchen.
After years of working in De-Avril house, Tony made the move to Newcastle working in the Jury’s Inn Hotel serving food for 600 guests every weekend before his talented traits where picked up and soon after he was head-hunted by Malmasion Hotel providing high-end food to guests daily.
Upon returning to Armagh, Tony began working in Armagh City Hotel where he became a devoted worker and worked alongside top City chefs before deciding it was time for his next adventure.
Tony’s first taste of entrepreneurial spirit started when he took over the kitchen in a busy City bar and began serving food. With every business comes it’s challenges and Tony found this was not the right move for him deciding to part ways.
Tony said: ‘”Going out on my own was a big step but it was something I needed to do and I defiantly learnt from it – I don’t regret anything but it did knock my confidence for many years after.”
Throughout working in hospitality, Tony always had the idea in his head of starting up a food truck but had many negative ‘what if’ moments holding him back – with the recent confidence knock setting him back even further.
With the encouragement of close family and friends and some courage in himself – Tony put his failed business aside and decided to start his next adventure.
Purchasing a second-hand stainless steel airstream trailer in January 2022 and with a vision in mind, Tony with the help of a few other keen DIYers stripped the trailer back to the original features and installed new stainless steel benches, appliance, equipment, floors,
The refurbishment took many months to ensure it was up to pristine standards with the trailer being ready for use in June 2022.
Our T’s started out as a private catering trailer which could be hired for outdoor events. For several months business was booming and Tony’s weekends where filled travelling around the county providing his quirky meals in private settings.
Then a vacant spot in Armagh Harps Social Club grounds became available, it was time for Our T’s to pitch a permanent spot. Familiar to the area and a Harps man himself, Tony quickly drew up a strong clientele of repeat, loyal customers.
With a strong team alongside him, and a few family members roped in too, it wasn’t long before the success of trailer enabled him to begin offering sit down meals and catering for functions in the social club hall.
They currently have a special steak offer running every Saturday evening in the function hall. The deal includes two sirloin steaks with all the trimmings and a bottle of wine for £40! Booking is advised.
Private catering is also available on request for outdoor function’s, parties, events and business call-outs.
With a varied menu, Tony has created a menu with something for everyone. Our T’s offer a selection of Burgers, Baguettes, Loaded Fries, Bao Buns along with their best selling carbonara. They also have a range of side dishes to accompany main dishes including fries, wings, mozzarella sticks and onion rings.
Using the finest meats in both the trailer and on carvery days supplied by local butcher Neil Casey, Tony is a strong advocate for using and supporting local suppliers in every aspect of the business.
With price hikes affecting every area of hospitality, Tony reassures that he will remain to keep his prices affordable for his customers without compromising food quality.
Our T’s food trailer is opened on Saturdays from 9-1 for breakfast and reopen from 4-9 on Saturday evening.
Sunday Carvery is available from 12-4pm inside Armagh Harps Social Club.
Click here to follow Our T’s on Facebook and to check out their menu
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