Ryan McCann’s transition from the fast-paced world of journalism and television to the welcoming ambiance of the hospitality sector is a tale of resilience and reinvention. Amidst the chaos of the Covid-19 lockdown, Ryan found himself at a crossroads after facing personal loss and professional setbacks. Determined to carve out a new path for himself, he turned towards his passion for coffee, embarking on a journey of discovery and entrepreneurship.
From a young age, Ryan envisioned a career in law, inspired by cinematic portrayals of the legal world. However, after a brief stint studying Law at Queen’s University Belfast, he realised that his true calling lay elsewhere. The allure of documentaries and storytelling captured his heart, leading him to pursue this newfound passion with unwavering dedication.
Speaking to UrbanABC Ryan says “when I was young, I always told people I wanted to be a lawyer. I thought it would be like it is in the films but after two years studying Law at Queen’s, I found it hard to stay awake in the very few lectures I managed to attend so I quickly had to scrap that idea”.
The allure of documentaries and storytelling captured Ryan’s heart, leading him to pursue this newfound passion with unwavering dedication.
For Ryan, creating documentaries never felt like work; it was a labour of love that resonated deeply within him. The thrill of immersing himself in storytelling and witnessing the impact of his work on audiences fuelled his drive and reaffirmed his chosen path.
Formerly immersed in crafting crime show concepts for Netflix in Glasgow, Ryan’s world was upended by the pandemic, with the loss of his mother and the end of his dream TV job. Faced with uncertainty, Ryan made a bold decision in late 2020 to chart his own course, driven by a desire to build something meaningful and secure his future, especially with a wedding on the horizon.
Despite initially underestimating his knowledge of coffee, Ryan’s dedication to learning and innovation shone through as he meticulously crafted a business plan. Within a remarkably short time span of three weeks, The Mill was born in Lurgan, a testament to Ryan’s creativity and fresh perspective stemming from his background in the creative industry.
“Everything was new to me and I was coming at it with a fresh set of eyes and a background in a creative industry so I think that has really helped me in how I approach this industry. I am always challenging the norms and trying to push the boundaries of what people can expect from a town like Lurgan”.
Ryan’s approach to the coffee business is marked by a commitment to challenging conventions and exceeding expectations. With a keen eye for pushing boundaries and a penchant for redefining the status quo, Ryan’s vision for The Mill has already pushed industry boundaries.
“I had always had a keen interest in coffee – or I thought I did. Turns out I knew nothing and am still learning every single day” says the Lurgan businessman.
In the whirlwind of the past three and a half years, Ryan’s journey has been a tapestry woven with both trials and triumphs, each chapter leaving an indelible mark on his entrepreneurial path. Amidst the myriad of horror stories that have unfolded, one pivotal moment stands out as a testament to resilience and determination.
At the dawn of a new year, the transition of the Lurgan establishment to a new location across the road marked a significant turning point for Ryan. Faced with the dual challenges of being short-staffed in the Belfast café and commencing renovations in Lurgan, the sudden departure of students from Stranmillis led to the closure of the Lurgan branch, plunging Ryan into a period of financial strain and sleepless nights during the festive season.
The subsequent reopening of the Lurgan premises on February 7th heralded a moment of sheer elation and relief for Ryan.
“The transformation in our business was mind-blowing and it felt like things had finally fallen into place. There was a enormous weight off my shoulders that day and I promised myself I would take the foot off the gas for a while going forward because your health is your wealth and opening Stranmillis in July 2023, then beginning renovations in Lurgan in December 2023 is not good for the heart”
Looking to the future, Ryan harbours aspirations beyond his current endeavours. The dream of roasting his own coffee and venturing into screenwriting beckons, hinting at a multifaceted individual with a thirst for creative exploration.
“I think the coffee scene, not just here but all over the world, has developed beyond comprehension in the last five years. For years, people were given dishwater coffee and people didn’t know there was anything wrong with it. Now however, there’s a small amount of people doing it right and hopefully that is the direction the industry is going”.
“Coffee is a science now and when you taste a truly great coffee that has been made correctly, your palette will instantly recognise the cheap stuff” 
“The industry is becoming more automated as well so the technology is there to ensure consistency and quality. In the food game, it has just exploded in Northern Ireland and we have an unbelievable food scene here. People are foodies now, they are adventurous, and a lot of young people spend much of their disposable income on food and coffee whereas 10-15 years ago, young ones would have been spending their money in pubs.
“There’s definitely been a cultural shift as people have become more health conscious and it’s a good thing because places are being kept on their toes. If you rest on your laurels or don’t evolve, you’ll be left behind so it’s definitely creating a really competitive food scene.
“I think the really great food outlets are specialists in what they do and there’s room for a niche business now”.
Ryan McCann’s story is a testament to the power of following one’s passion, embracing change, and fearlessly pursuing dreams. In a world where life’s twists and turns can lead to unexpected destinations, Ryan stands as a beacon of inspiration for those who dare to tread the path less travelled.
Offering advice to anyone contemplating following in his footsteps Ryan says “If I was advising anyone getting into hospitality at entry level, I would tell them to come to work on time, don’t mess your employer about, focus on being kind to customers and keep your workplace tidy. If you do those things you’ll be a huge asset to any employer”.