Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) & Pub Sector

Wetherspoon seeking additional development sites in Republic of Ireland

Hospitality Ireland – 18.02.2020

Pub group JD Wetherspoon has revealed that it is looking for additional development sites in the Republic of Ireland to expand its business in the country. Speaking to The Irish Independent, Wetherspoon founder and Chairman Tim Martin said, "We are looking at further sites across the Republic of Ireland. Hopefully, our investment will act as a catalyst for other businesses to invest in the respective areas where we are opening." At present, Wetherspoon is planning to open a new 89-bedroom hotel and pub on Dublin's Camden Street by July of this year as well as a new pub called South Strand on the capital's Hanover Quay later this year and a pub along Broad Street and Arundel Square in Waterford called Arundel Gate, which is also due to open by July. The company is also currently planning to open a new pub in Galway in 2021.

Revenues soar to €23.72m at Boojum

Independent – 07.03.2020

Exceptional and expansion costs at the company behind the Boojum chain of restaurants last year contributed to a 48.5pc increase in pre-tax losses to €970,778. New figures filed by Modern Restaurant Concepts Ltd show that revenues at the business increased by 28.5pc to €23.72m from €18.46m in the 53 weeks to the end of April 28th last. The group's revenues are recorded across the island of Ireland but the bulk of Boojum's growth last year occurred in the Republic where sales increased by 36.5pc to €16.29m. Sales in Northern Ireland increased at a slower rate of 14pc to €7.42m. The casual Mexican burrito restaurant business is led by 2018 EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist David Maxwell. The business had grown to 18 restaurants at the end of April last.