Applegreen plans to create 450 jobs in Ireland by integrating Popeyes chicken restaurants into its roadside service stations. The retailer will invest €6 million over the next four years to roll out the franchise, starting with a location at the Midway, Junction 17 service station on the M7 in Portlaoise, according to an announcement from Applegreen’s Republic of Ireland managing director, Seamus Stapleton.
How will the Applegreen and Popeyes partnership impact the Irish market?
The expansion marks a significant shift in Irish roadside retail, moving toward branded international fast-food partnerships. According to Applegreen, the company has already gained experience with the brand through its US operations, where it currently runs 24 Popeyes restaurants across states including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. By leveraging this existing relationship, Applegreen aims to standardize its food offerings across its Irish network.
Popeyes, which operates approximately 5,400 restaurants globally, generated $8 billion in annual sales. Its rapid growth in the UK—expanding to over 110 locations since 2021—serves as the operational blueprint for the Irish rollout.
Why is the roadside dining sector shifting toward global franchises?
Retailers are increasingly seeking to boost foot traffic by replacing generic food offerings with high-performing global brands. Data from Popeyes UK and Ireland shows a sharp rise in revenue, climbing from £15 million in 2022 to over £118 million in 2024. For operators like Applegreen, this transition is a strategy to improve “roadside hospitality,” as described by Seamus Stapleton, by providing consistent, recognizable dining options for travelers.
Comparison: Market Growth
| Metric | Popeyes UK (2022) | Popeyes UK (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Sales | £15m | £118m |
What are the next steps for the rollout?
The first Irish service station outlet is scheduled to open at the Midway site in Portlaoise within the coming weeks. This follows the opening of standalone Popeyes restaurants in Blanchardstown and Liffey Valley, Dublin, which are managed by the master franchisee for the region. Applegreen’s internal investment of €6 million is earmarked specifically for retrofitting its roadside locations to accommodate the new kitchen infrastructure.
When evaluating the impact of new retail partnerships, look at the “travel plaza” model used in the US. Successful integration often depends on whether the kitchen layout can handle high-volume, quick-turnover traffic typical of motorway rest stops.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many jobs will the Applegreen-Popeyes deal create?
Applegreen expects to create up to 450 new jobs as part of the four-year expansion plan. - Where is the first Popeyes opening in an Irish service station?
The first location will be at the Midway service station (Junction 17) on the M7 in Portlaoise. - How much is being invested in this project?
Applegreen is investing approximately €6 million to bring the brand to its Irish network.
Are you interested in how changing retail trends affect your local commute? Subscribe to our weekly business newsletter for the latest updates on infrastructure and industry shifts.
