- Ireland’s quick service restaurant chains added 32 net outlets in the year to August 2026
- The sector reached 1,603 locations overall
- Chicken chains grew by 19.6pc, the strongest category
- Ethnic fast food grew by 9.3pc
- New entrants include Wingstop, Popeyes and Dave’s Hot Chicken
Ireland’s quick service restaurant chains have added 32 net outlets in the year to August 2026, reaching 1,603 locations overall. Chicken chains grew by 19.6pc, the strongest category, followed by ethnic fast food at 9.3pc. New entrants including Wingstop, Popeyes, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Slim Chickens contributed to expansion.
Apache Pizza remains the largest chain by outlet count with 173 stores, followed by Insomnia Coffee with 142 outlets, Subway with 130 locations, Supermac’s with 114 stores and McDonald’s with 99 outlets. Independent takeaways declined by 2.1pc over the same period as major chains expanded.
The data from Meaningful Vision confirms that Ireland’s chicken-led quick service sector remains in early growth phases compared to England, signalling room for further expansion. International brands have driven much of the chicken sector’s momentum.
