Commercial boost for Mayo town as popular business expands
Exciting times are ahead for pizza lovers in Ballina as The Pizza Pod Mayo has officially launched its brand-new premises on Tone Street in the town.
Tony and Susan McCready, the passionate team behind The Pizza Pod, celebrated the opening of Inside The Pizza Pod with friends, family, and supporters, marking an incredible milestone in their journey from a small mobile business to a vibrant new shop.
With a dedication to quality and authenticity, Inside The Pizza Pod continues to serve up handmade, Neapolitan-style pizzas crafted with premium Italian and Irish ingredients.
This expansion not only represents growth for the business but also underscores its commitment to community, inclusivity, and social responsibility.
Speaking about the launch, Tony McCready, founder of The Pizza Pod Mayo, said: “This is a huge moment for us. What started as a dream and a love for authentic pizza has grown into something truly special.
"We’re so excited to welcome customers into our new space, where they can enjoy our food in a warm and welcoming environment. It’s also incredibly rewarding to create job opportunities and be part of a thriving community here in Ballina.”
A key aspect of Inside The Pizza Pod is its inclusive hiring approach.
Through collaboration with Ready To Work and South West Mayo Development Company, Tony and his wife Susan have welcomed Martin Burke, Ruairí McNamara, and Patrick Waters to the team, supporting employability and social inclusion within the local workforce.
Patrick works with Employability & The Bridge Centre in Ballina, while Martin and Ruairí are both part of the Scannan Centre Ballina and the South Mayo Development Ready To Work Scheme.
Due to Tony and Susan’s professional backgrounds, they wanted to include awareness of marginalised groups, mental health, and disability into their business model.
They are proud to be the first business in Ballina to have all staff trained in Autism Awareness Training and are delighted to be the first Ballina Autism Friendly Town Champions.
As they grow, they hope to include further training for their staff to ensure an inclusive and supportive environment for both employees and customers.
In addition to their commitment to social inclusion, Inside The Pizza Pod proudly supports local suppliers, sourcing top-quality ingredients from Glasrai, Joe Kelly, Clive's Butcher Foxford, and Cunniffe's Butchers Ballaghaderreen, among others.
This dedication to working with local producers ensures the freshest ingredients and supports businesses across Mayo and its surrounds.
Mairéad Melody Carr,mManager of Mayo North Tourism, expressed her excitement about the expansion,
She said: “Businesses like Inside The Pizza Pod not only enhance Ballina’s food scene but also contribute to the town’s vibrancy and sense of community.
"Tony and Susan’s passion is evident in every pizza they make, and their commitment to inclusion and social responsibility is truly inspiring. We’re delighted to see them take this next step and wish them every success.”
Inside The Pizza Pod will officially open its doors to the public on Wednesday, offering customers the chance to experience delicious, handcrafted pizzas in a friendly and inclusive space.
Open Tuesday to Sunday inclusive (hours vary). For full opening hours, please follow The Pizza Pod Mayo on social media or visit their new location on Tone Street, Ballina.