Taco Bell Expands to Cork and Dublin Following Irish Debut

Applegreen is set to launch additional branches ofTaco Bell in Cork and Dublin after successfully opening Ireland’s first location in Dunshaughlin, County Meath. This expansion is part of a broader strategy announced in May, which aims to establish several Taco Bell outlets over the next five years.

The new Taco Bell opened on Tuesday, located within the Dunshaughlin motorway service area at Junction 6 on the M3. Alongside Taco Bell, this service area features popular brands such as M&S, Braeburn Coffee Café, Burger King, and Crafted, Applegreen’s deli concept. Applegreen’s managing director, Seamus Stapleton, expressed enthusiasm about the brand’s introduction to the Irish market, stating, “We’re delighted to bring Taco Bell to the Irish market, and to open our newest site in Ireland.”

Applegreen is actively recruiting for Taco Bell positions in Ballincollig, County Cork, and Lusk, County Dublin, signaling its commitment to expanding the brand across key urban areas. The company already operates at Classes Lake in Ballincollig and at M1 Lusk South in Dublin.

Strategic Growth Plans

The opening of Taco Bell in Dunshaughlin is part of Applegreen’s ambitious €1 billion plan to enhance its presence in Ireland, the UK, and the United States within the next five years. Since launching its first service station in Ballyfermot, Dublin, in 1992, Applegreen has expanded to nearly 200 locations across Ireland. The company currently employs about 16,000 people and reported a turnover of almost €4 billion last year, serving around 180 million customers annually.

In the United States, Applegreen operates 181 sites, which include more than 300 branded food outlets. Recently, the company secured a 35-year contract to manage 18 highway service plazas in Massachusetts. Additionally, Applegreen’s Welcome Break division in the UK manages 60 sites, encompassing 36 motorway service areas and 31 hotels.

The company is not only focusing on fast-food expansion but is also planning an €85 million investment to enhance its electric vehicle charging networks across Ireland, the UK, and the United States. This investment reflects Applegreen’s commitment to sustainability and adapting to the evolving needs of its customers.

As Taco Bell prepares to become a staple in Ireland, Applegreen’s strategic growth initiatives indicate a strong future for both the fast-food chain and the company itself in the competitive food service market.