Full-Service Restaurants in Ireland

PROSPECTS

Input costs continue to rise due to a skilled labour shortage and the reinstatement of higher VAT

In view of slowing growth in value sales and transactions, full-service restaurants in Ireland have tried to combat the drop in favourable consumer sentiment by making changes to their menus and adding third party delivery services. This indicates the challenging conditions that the industry is operating in.

Chains tend to outperform independents despite being in the minority

In terms of full-service restaurant categories, there has been a solid performance from chains especially when compared to independent players. This is reflected in their comparative growth rates for the review period as a whole.

Irish consumers continue to favour Asian cuisine when dining out

Asian full-service restaurants maintained a steady performance in 2019, being among Irish consumers’ traditional favourites. Consumers appreciate the flavours of various Asian cuisines and perceive dishes from countries such as Thailand or Japan to be relatively healthier, being lower in fat and salt.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

PizzaExpress remains the leading chained pizza player but struggles with debt

Chained pizza full-service restaurants witnessed expansion in Ireland in 2019, most notably with Pizza Hut’s increasing presence within Dublin and its outskirts. Manufacturers and resellers continue to make successful efforts to alter the consumer perception of pizza, which has historically been that it is a fast food and therefore inherently unhealthy.

Pricy Jo’Burger closes its doors while popular TGI Fridays expands

In chained North American full-service restaurants, there was a major shift in 2019 as one of the leading players, Jo’Burger, closed its doors for good. The group was a prominent feature in the Dublin restaurant scene and operated as many as six restaurants in the city centre before going into liquidation.

High standards allow FXB Steak&Seafood to take share from its struggling European full-service restaurant counterparts

FXB Steak&Seafood continues to stand out among chained European full-service restaurants in Ireland. Although it has not expanded in terms of outlets, it has maintained steady growth in transactions and value sales.

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