Bobby Kerr is a well known business man and Chairman of Insomnia. He will be known to you as one of the Dragon’s on the highly successful TV program Dragon’s Den.
From a young age, Bobby got the business bug at a while helping his father run the 4 star Newpark Hotel in Kilkenny. At 16 he introduced to the hotel kitchen where he sweated his way through two summers, learning some of the favourite game dishes that he still cooks today.
A career in catering followed, when he landed his very first job at AIB catering in Ballsbridge. He was soon travelling the globe, working as chef on Oil Rigs in the North Sea and then onto Canada where he gained vast experience in stadium catering. He went on to co-ordinate catering for the 1 million people at the pope’s visit to Canada in 1985.
He returned to Ireland in the mid 80’s where he worked initially at Jury’s Hotels, followed by Campbell Catering in Cork and then Bewley’s. As Managing Director of Bewley’s Oriental Cafe, Bewley’s Franchising and Bewley’s Bakery he oversaw 30 Bewley’s Cafes and a bakery of with a turnover of €40 million. He was responsible for the overseas development of the Bewley’s brand in the UK, USA and Japan. In 1999, Bobby set up PERK coffee shops in Dublin, before selling the brand to Insomnia. Bobby reinvested tall the proceeds of the PERK sale back into Insomnia and became a shareholder and CEO. Since 2004, he has led the expansion of expansion from 17 to 50 shops and increased turnover from €5 to €13 million. In March 2010, he changed his role from CEO of Insomnia to Chairman to allow him concentrate on his ever growing portfolio of business.
In April 2010, he along with two partners purchased Bang Cafe on Merrion Row. This highly successful restaurant, where Bobby can be seen walking the floor has gone from strength to strength.
Bobby’s latest challenge will be to present the Down to Business radio show beginning in October 2010. This lively positive business and lifestyle show will be aired at 10 – 11am every Sunday morning.
A keen sailor, Bobby lives with his wife Mary and four daughters in Sandycove, Co. Dublin.