Applegreen to launch Ireland's first ever Taco Bell restaurant this summer

Applegreen is set to open Ireland’s first Taco Bell, a Mexican-inspired restaurant, following a new partnership agreement with the US-based company.

The roadside retailer will open the first restaurant this summer, with plans to open more outlets across Ireland over the next five years. 

“We are really excited to announce this partnership to launch the iconic Taco Bell brand in Ireland,” said Seamus Stapleton, Managing Director of Applegreen’s Republic of Ireland business.

“This partnership underscores our commitment to bringing world-class roadside hospitality to our customers, offering them greater choice and quality while they travel.  We are constantly investing in our locations, and I’m sure Irish consumers will be very excited at the arrival of Taco Bell.”

Taco Bell, which is based in Irvine, California, has over 8,700 restaurants worldwide. Known for its craveable and bold Mexican-inspired flavours, their menu offers a variety of delicious products and unique tastes. Consumer favourites include the famous crunchy taco plus burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and the iconic crunchwrap supreme™.

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Matthew Johnson, New Market Lead for Taco Bell Europe said, “We are thrilled to bring Taco Bell’s innovative and flavourful menu to Ireland. This expansion is a testament to our commitment to growing our brand globally and delivering exceptional dining experiences to new markets.”

“We believe that our unique offering will resonate with consumers in Ireland, providing a new and exciting dining option that celebrates bold flavours and a fun, vibrant atmosphere.”

Applegreen has also recently introduced Taco Bell restaurants at several of its Welcome Break motorway service areas in the UK.

The move to bring Taco Bell to Ireland is part of Applegreen’s €1 billion expansion programme over the next five years. The company plans to grow its business in Ireland, the UK and the United States, as it redevelops existing sites and adds new locations in each of its three markets.

Applegreen is one of Ireland’s leading retail brands. It opened its first service station in Ballyfermot in Dublin in 1992 and now operates almost 200 locations in the Irish market. Applegreen typically invests more than €30 million every year in the Irish market on new store openings, upgrades, and improvements. 

The Applegreen business currently employs about 16,000 people and has further plans for growth in all of its major markets. It had a turnover of almost €4 billion last year and serves about 180 million customers annually.