MMA champ gets all Chopped up

A FORMER Mixed Martial Arts fighter has opened a new health food store in Blanchardstown that’s expected to create 30 new jobs for the area.

Cathal Pendred retired from MMA last November and since then he’s been focussed on his Chopped franchise at Westend Shopping Park, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre.

The outlet is an equal partnership between Chopped and Pendred and the new store opening follows months of planning and investment of over €250,000 to ensure his first venture since retiring will be a success.

“Today is a big day for me,” Pendred said at last week’s store opening.

“Since I announced my retirement from competitive MMA last November all my focus has gone towards establishing my new career.

“I’ve set up a new company to facilitate this and I am working on a number of projects that will all be focussed on the health food industry. It’s important to make sure that my first step on this journey will be a success and with this new Chopped I’m confident it will be.

“Working with the team at Chopped is like getting a Dragon on board. We’re benefitting from their knowledge and expertise to bring an incredible offering to the people of Blanchardstown.

“We know local residents, business and shoppers will enjoy our simple, healthy and nutritious Chopped salads.”

Brian Lee, co-founder and managing director of Chopped said the company was delighted to be opening its newest outlet in Blanchardstown with Pendred.

“When we decided to start a franchising programme last year I spoke to Cathal about it and he was eager to get involved, because he knows first-hand how important healthy eating is,” he said.

“This isn’t our normal franchise model but because of the relationship Cathal and I have, we know this is the best approach.

“We’ve been working hard over the past year to find the perfect spot for a new Chopped and we have definitely found it in Blanchardstown. This is our biggest outlet to date and we’re proud to have Cathal on board.” 

To celebrate the arrival of the new outlet, Chopped provided free salads on opening day from 11am until 1pm with half price for the rest of the day.

Born in Boston, Pendred moved to Ireland at the age of four. He attended Belvedere College where he was on the team that won the Leinster Senior Rugby Cup.

He went on to obtain a Degree in Analytical Science from Dublin City University and after he took up martial arts, won four out of five UFC fights in his debut year.