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06 Sept 2025

Owner of McAteer The Food Hall in Dundalk said he was “honoured” by Biden's visit

Joe Biden bought sweet treats and a mug with an image of a dog on it in the Dundalk restaurant

Owner of McAteer The Food Hall in Dundalk said he was “honoured” by Biden's visit

Photo: Julien Behal Photography

Jerome McAteer said he was “honoured” to host Mr Biden for a short time in his restaurant in Dundalk.

The US President bought sweet treats and paid with cash as he spent around 25 minutes inside The Food House in the town.

Mr McAteer, who owns the gourmet food store and deli with his husband Bobby Wain, said Mr Biden bought lemon meringue, chocolate eclairs, bread and butter pudding, pear and almond cake, as well as a mug with an image of a dog on it.

He paid with a €50 note and gave a €10  tip to some of the workers who have special needs, Mr McAteer said.

“He was talking a lot about his Irish background,” he said.

Asked if Mr Biden was how he expected, Mr McAteer said: “He was taller, he was younger looking, he had amazing teeth. He has just a really easy manner and he was absolutely brilliant with the special needs kids.”

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