Many of our patrons will recognise Rugile as one of the vibrant food enthusiasts in our Foodhall. We sat down with Rugile to find out more about Fallon & Byrne is supporting her career in food retail.

What role did you start in when you first joined the company? What roles have you had since then?

I joined Fallon & Byrne in late March 2022 as Head Barista. Then, in a dramatic career plot twist, I became Head Cheesemonger, because, apparently, my next logical step was to go from steaming milk to aging it. After that, I became Duty Manager, then Assistant Foodhall Manager, and now I’m taking yet another sharp turn into Purchasing as a Stock Receiving Administrator—because why settle for mastering one department when I can just take over all of them, one by one?

What initially drew you to apply or join the team here?

I first visited Fallon & Byrne in 2021 while working for a competitor. Our goal? Analyse what made Fallon & Byrne better than us. What actually happened? I got completely distracted by the products, the atmosphere, and the general “I need to work here” feeling. So, when I saw a job opening for Head Barista, I applied.

How has your career evolved since you started?

In less than three years, I went from Head Barista (2022) to Head Cheesemonger (2022) to Duty Manager (2023) to Assistant Manager (2023) and finally Purchasing (2025). That’s a lot of title changes, but honestly I love learning, growing, and finding new challenges. Also big thank you to Senior Management (Emilia, Vincent, and Irena) for seeing potential in me or at least realizing that I don’t take “no” for an answer when it comes to career progression.

Has anyone within the company helped guide or support your growth?

Emilia - She saw my potential from Head Barista to Assistant Foodhall Manager, gave me valuable guidance, honest feedback, and occasional reality checks when needed. Having a mentor who pushes you to be better, smarter, and bolder is a game-changer.

What are some of the most valuable skills or lessons you’ve learned here?

Product Knowledge – I can now tell you way too much about coffee, cheese, or other products.

Adaptability & Multitasking – One second, you’re solving a staffing issue, the next you’re helping a customer pick a wine for their anniversary. Every day is a surprise.

Leadership & Teamwork – You can be the best at your job, but without a strong team, nothing works. Leading, supporting, and keeping team motivated is key.

Operations & Strategy – Understanding how all the moving parts of a business work together has been eye-opening. Every department matters.

In what ways has the company supported your progression?

By throwing challenges my way and trusting me to handle them. Fallon & Byrne is a place where hard work and ambition actually get rewarded, and I’ve been lucky to have managers who saw that I was ready for more - even before I did sometimes.

How has the culture here played a role in your development?

The people here are one of the best things about Fallon & Byrne. Everyone is different, passionate, and genuinely cares about the business. You don’t just have coworkers—you have friends, mentors, and occasionally partners in crime when you need a break.

What achievements are you most proud of so far?

• Reinventing the coffee counter menu, leading to a massive sales boost.

• Organising Cheese Month (2024) with Donal, which got great engagement in-store and on social media.

• Being part of major events like Customer Night, where we showcase the best of what we do.

What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey in Fallon & Byrne?

Be ambitious, ask for opportunities, and don’t be afraid to speak up. This is a company where initiative gets rewarded—so if you want to grow, just say it out loud, and you’ll find people who will help make it happen.

What’s next for you—are there any goals or projects you’re especially excited about?

I’m moving into Purchasing in April which is a huge shift. It’s like going from front of house to backstage, I’ll be learning how everything functions behind the scenes. I’m also planning to take a part-time course in Project Management in the coming months.