Wexford’s Ufucoffee: Cheeky name, serious coffee, and a lot of passion

In the busy Clonard Village Centre, Wexford, there’s a café that’s become more than just a spot for a morning caffeine fix…

Instead, it’s a hub of warmth, humour, and genuine community spirit.

Ufucoffee is located at Unit R6, Clonard Village Centre, Wexford. The name might raise an eyebrow, but that’s part of the charm. Ufucoffee, owned by Margaret Caulfield, is a bold and creative family-run business that’s been serving smiles and delicious brews since 2017.

She explained that while the doors officially opened in 2017, the idea had been brewing for quite some time.

“We created the business name and logo in 2016, hence the ‘Est 2016’ on our logo, and we then opened the coffee shop in May 2017.”

Margaret saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the local market and built something that reflected her family’s personality and humour. Before Ufucoffee opened, there wasn’t a café or lunch spot in that part of town.

“Why we chose the location? Well, 8 years ago, there wasn’t anywhere for a coffee or breakfast or lunch in this area of town. Quite simply, I saw a clear opportunity,” she explained.

The café’s name, too, has an unforgettable backstory. It’s one that is both cheeky and clever in equal measure:

“All my family use that phrase to one another — ‘Ufucoffee?’ (aka Are you for a coffee?). It isn’t U.F.U coffee or YooFooCoffee, it’s YOU F**K COFFEE? We thought it was cheeky, fun, innovative and original. We’ve patented that name and brand,” she told Wexford Weekly.

Beyond the name, Ufucoffee is a place that prides itself on quality and variety.

“We are a family-run business that provides delicious coffee (our own roast from the Irish roastery Warbler & Wren), a large breakfast/brunch menu, a vast selection of pastries, cakes and goodies, a large deli counter full of freshly made sandwiches, ciabattas, quiches, pies, salads and wraps. We also offer event and corporate catering around Wexford.”

Like many small business owners, Margaret has faced her fair share of challenges, particularly in recent years. She spoke openly about the obstacles that have tested her resilience.

“In this climate, unfortunately every day there is a new challenge. Staff shortage is most definitely a daily challenge — to be honest COVID really shifted work ethic & commitment. Then, it’s the price increases from my suppliers, which I have had to pass on to my products. Then, there’s general inflation across everything, the increase in minimum wage, sick pay, pensions.”

With years of experience behind her, Margaret admits these times have been especially trying for local business owners.

“I’ve been self-employed in Wexford since my early 20’s and I’ve never experienced a more challenging time for a person in business. And to be specific to Ufucoffee here in Clonard, parking for my customers is a huge challenge for me also. This area is full of businesses, with staff and customers too — we need more parking spaces. My business depends on customers, and customers who can’t find parking aren’t going to come through my doors, so that’s a daily headache for me that I’m trying very hard to find a solution for!”

Despite the difficulties, Margaret has maintained her focus on what makes Ufucoffee special: exceptional service and consistency.

“Exceptional service. I’ve only ever owned businesses throughout my life that depend on customers, therefore excellent customer service is essential, everyday all day. I want every customer who comes through our doors to leave happy and content, loyalty is based on a good experience — from a delicious cappuccino, a great breakfast or a smiley staff member taking their order.”

She also believes that attention to detail, cleanliness, and a love for what you do are what make all the difference.

“Also, we do not fry anything here in Ufucoffee. Everything is baked and our eggs are poached. I used to be able to say that our location made us stand out, but now there’s very little parking for customers! So we have to keep them coming through those doors in other ways — great service, a great menu, delicious coffee & food, a clean, bright and welcoming environment. We are a family-run, Wexford business who has true love and passion for our coffee shop.”

Over the past number of years, especially since Covid-19, many new coffee shops and coffee huts have appeared across the county and indeed the country. When asked if she’d recommend others to enter the coffee or hospitality industry today, Margaret offered some honest — yet encouraging — advice.

“Right now? Well, I believe in hard work and thick skin so if you have both? Yes. BUT being an entrepreneur, especially in hospitality, is very tough. You have to be flexible to pivot depending on trends, for example COVID, inflation etc. You have to be innovative to keep up with what customers want and you have to have the passion and love for what you do and for your business.”

And at the heart of it all, Margaret’s enthusiasm for her work remains as strong as the coffee she serves.