Birmingham’s first mac and cheese restaurant, Holy Moly Macaroni, celebrated its’ official launch with a star-studded 90’s themed hip hop party.
Holy Moly opened just a few weeks ago under the guidance of Birmingham-based business owner Jim Cockburn and Birmingham-born John Burke.
Jim ploughed half a million pounds into securing the lease for the Grand Central-based venue and in developing the brand and designing and construction the site of the Harlem-inspired eatery.
In all 20 jobs were created in the venue which was designed by locally based Newman Gauge and built by Midlands-based Matrix IDC
Thursdays launch saw VIP guests and celebrities rub shoulders at the restaurant which serves a whopping 1,500 portions of its’ legendary mac and cheesy a week
And the party was made even more special when British television actor Brian Bovell – famous for his roles in Eastenders and Doctors – arrived unannounced in search of his favourite chicken and waffles!
Brian, who had been filming in Birmingham with the popular daytime BBC show, arrived at the restaurant in Grand Central to order his regular take out before getting the train back home to London.
But he was soon joining guests at Holy Moly Macaroni, which serves Harlem-inspired soul food seven days a week, including dishes such as its now famous ‘Uptown Mac’ dish with wild mushrooms and truffle oil, loved by those on Sunday Brunch, as well as its famous ‘Proper Mac’ four cheese macaroni in addition to vegan and vegetarian options.
Brian said: “I’m a regular here for chicken and waffles and was gutted at first to see the venue closed for a private event.
“So it was great to be invited in and join the guests for a drink or two and still get chance to grab my favourite take away.”
Former Aston Villa and Wolves footballer Tony Daley, who was at the party with his partner Steph Chadwick, on what was his 51st birthday, said: “Holy Moly is a favourite with us and it was great to celebrate its official opening in Birmingham.”
Guests enjoyed performances from the Birmingham-based Steps8 breakdancers and had photo opportunities with the Supreme Showgirls’ cheerleaders and members of the City of Birmingham Rockets Basketball Club.
The Rockets are the region’s biggest team and are striving for professional status whilst also encouraging youngsters to take up the sport for fun.
The team have adopted Holy Moly as the team’s official partner restaurant whilst Holy Moly is supporting community links within the club.
John Burke at Holy Moly said: “We’ve been open for ten weeks and the restaurant has been bustling with customers wanting to help us bring back proper mac to Birmingham. So we decided it was finally time to throw a party to celebrate the success and hard work that has gone into developing the concept from its street food days into what we have now.
“Good food is so important, it can bring friends and family together in a unique enjoyable experience, and that’s what Holy Moly is all about.”
After sampling some of the restaurant’s famous buttermilk chicken and mac and cheese washed down with Brooklyn beer, the guests were treated to a demonstration from staff from Coca-Cola-Schweppes who showed how to mix their favourite spirits with the latest range of 1783 mixers.
Guests then danced the night away to a traditional hip hop DJ who showed off his skills scratching and mixing 1990s hits.
For more on Holy Moly please visit: www.holymolymacaroni.com or follow the latest news on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
