Why cafés and QSR brands are thriving in Ireland’s suburban retail hubs.
Over the past decade, the Irish food retail landscape has shifted. While high-street rents soared and city-centre footfall became less predictable, suburban shopping centres and local retail hubs quietly began to thrive. And with them, a new wave of food operators and franchisees.
This change didn’t happen by accident. Irish consumers have shown an increasing preference for convenience, value and quality, all under one roof. Enter the food hall: a curated selection of trusted brands operating in tandem, offering variety and consistency in a compact, customer-friendly format.
At AIL Group, we’ve leaned into this shift with our “Oasis of Taste” model — bringing together Abrakebabra, O’Briens Café and Bagel Factory under one roof in locations across Ireland. These food halls offer operational simplicity, shared staffing, and the unique benefit of cross-brand loyalty. Customers come in for a bagel, but walk out with a wrap and loaded fries.
For franchisees, food halls offer lower startup costs, a supportive management model and the benefit of established footfall in growing neighbourhoods. It’s no surprise many of our newest partners are choosing this model as their first step into franchising or their next.
Thinking about opening your own store?
If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming Oasis of Taste opportunities in towns across Ireland, reach out via our contact form.