JJ Darboven – A classic from coffee bean to frothing cup

J.J. Darboven’s shop and barista bar on George’s Street fits in as though it’s always been there. But one of Dun Laoghaire’s best loved coffee spots is only a recent development in the Mongey family’s journey in the world of coffee. Whether you stop into the shop in Dun Laoghaire or you pop into another coffee shop around Ireland, there’s a good chance that you’ll encounter Graham Mongey’s hard work and long-term vision in every county. 

Laura, Graham, Olive, Mr. Darboven outside the barista bar and shop

J.J. Darboven’s story begins in 1989 when Graham’s father, Eamonn, first set up the business. Dun Laoghaire’s own is a family-run subsidiary of J.J. Darboven, another family-run business based in Germany. In the past, the Mongey’s J.J. Darboven did all the coffee-related work behind the scenes of Ireland’s cafes, restaurants, and hotels. Today, J.J. Darboven is the only company in Ireland to run the full gamut of the coffee business. From importing and roasting beans to selling and servicing coffee equipment, the family and team provides a full bean-to-cup service that encompasses every part of the coffee business.

Graham got started in the business as a kid when he helped his dad by unwrapping pallets and riding along on deliveries. As an adult, Graham went for his Bachelor’s and Master’s in accounting at University College Dublin. He followed the accounting track and took a job at PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) with the idea of someday running the family business.

On May 13, 2013, the Mongey family lost Eamonn, and Graham’s first day on the job came sooner than anyone hoped. Since taking over after the loss of his father, Graham has grown the business and its team to create a national strategy that also saw the coffee land in Dublin Airport. The barista bar and school on George’s Street as well as the company’s online presence were Graham’s vision. Graham’s sister Laura runs the shop in Dun Laoghaire and based on the fantastic reviews on Google she and the team are doing a top class job.

Google Reviews for JJ Darboven                                 Dun Laoghaire Town

Why does the family love living and working in Dun Laoghaire?

Laura and Dylan in JJ Darboven, Dun Laoghaire

“Dun Laoghaire is an incredible amenity.” There’s two piers, George’s Street, and as Graham told us, “a bit of everything.”

Like all businesses, J.J. Darboven’s model faced unprecedented challenges when retail outfits closed their doors. But Graham sees hope in the Irish response to the pandemic.

“The fact that most people have been hit hard by this, in all sorts of ways and if you ask anyone they will tell you, for instance their business is gone, or their job is gone, or worse and most people will start the last sentence with “But I’m fortunate” or “I’m lucky”.”

“The Irish spirit of never giving up is the most inspiring for me. We are, unfortunately, well used to not having things easy, but that means that we are used to fighting and not giving up.”

What’s on offer during the COVID-19 restrictions

How can you support J.J. Darboven? The online shop is up and running featuring premium coffee, tea and hot chocolate! 

Enter the Love Dún Laoghaire Day Competition – May 2020

JJ Darboven are partners in the inaugural Love Dun Laoghaire Day, it’s easy to enter, just click the image below and follow the instructions! We look forward to receiving your entry.