US fast-food invasion: Queues were long, my burrito is bland, but it's hard to argue with Taco Bell Prices

"Irish restaurants may be struggling amid soaring costs, but a growing number of giant American chains - including Popeyes, Wing Stop and Wendy's - are opening outlets here. So what's behind the US fast food boom? It has been a fortnight since Ireland's first outpost of Taco Bell opened, but the queues remain lengthy. Such has been the demand for the Mexican-inspired American fast-food chain that a canopy has been erected outside its door at the big new Applegreen service station outside Dunshaughlin, Co Meath."

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Irish restaurants are facing soaring costs that are putting pressure on their operations. A growing number of large American fast-food chains, including Popeyes, Wing Stop and Wendy's, are opening outlets in Ireland. Ireland's first Taco Bell opened at a new Applegreen service station outside Dunshaughlin, Co Meath about two weeks ago, and it continues to attract lengthy queues. Demand for the Mexican-inspired American fast-food chain prompted a canopy to be erected outside its door. The expansion of US chains coincides with struggling local restaurants and strong consumer appetite for established franchise brands.

Read at Independent