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It appears that no matter how many unpaid bills Conrad Gallagher leaves in his wake, there’s always another supplier waiting in the wings.
That’s not an indictment on those who do business with him, but perhaps if they knew just how many people he had stiffed (and allegedly continues to stiff) they would be more reluctant.
Last month, we covered how he’s opened up new ventures in St Francis Bay, including the restaurant Bistro Vin De Boeuf and a deli/coffee shop called Off the Menu Food Emporium.
That was off the back of an unsuccessful venture in Gqeberha, called Gallagher’s on Stanley, which shut after suppliers accused him of non-payment.
Now News24 is on the case, detailing how Gallagher chefs for Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman.
When the prince visits with his large entourage they stay at Ekland Game Farm in Makhado, Limpopo, with staff who work there signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to ensure secrecy.
Even when serving royalty, Gallagher is accused of stiffing suppliers:
Chris Fourie is CEO of wholesale meat supply company Dry Ager Deli Supplies who, until recently, was on good terms with Gallagher as a trusted purveyor of mature meat.
Fourie had been supplying the newly established Off the Menu franchises since the Gqeberha branch opened its doors in February, amid much fanfare from Gallagher. But the relationship soon soured when the chef ordered close to half-a-million rand’s worth of wagyu beef cuts from Fourie in the lead-up to the Ekland contract in June.
In bits and pieces payments, Fourie says he eventually received a total of R150 000, with the balance to be paid once he delivered the meat to Ekland.
One of his staff members did the delivery, and Gallagher then complained that the meat was poor quality.
Fourie told News24 if Gallagher had returned the spoiled meat, he would have refunded the chef in full. “But he never returned the product. I then started talking to other suppliers and I realised, ‘My God, this guy is nothing but a thug’.”
Fourie has since invoiced Gallagher for the R142 000 still owed to him, to no avail. “I now have to sell one of my properties to liquidate cash so I can pay my suppliers,” he told News24.
It’s a story that has been told by South African suppliers as far back as the early 2000s when he arrived having left Ireland with a reputation in tatters.
Gallagher was contacted by News24 for comment two days ago, but has yet to respond.
He did find time to tweet this:
Mum had a cliche for every occasion,2 of my favorites,Press attention may it be true or false,when true well of course I am fair game for a grilling/roasting,excuse the pun, false here was 2 of her best,paper never refuses ink & today’s newspapers wraps tomorrow’s fish n chips
— Conrad Gallagher (@ConradGallagher) November 21, 2021
Ahead of the December holiday rush to St Francis, be sure to pick which businesses you support wisely.
[source:news24]
