Irish Restaurants Hit by Cost-of-Living Slowdown: Overseas Brands Expand

July 20, 2025 Victoria Sterling Business

Deep-pocketed foreign brands muscle in, as Irish restaurants hit by cost-of-living slowdown

Hawksmoor restaurant on College Green, Dublin 1

A wave of high-end international restaurants and fast-food brands is breaking through the Irish market, despite domestic players feeling the heat of an industry “slowdown” amid the cost-of-living crisis.

Several global foodie newcomers have targeted Ireland for expansion in recent years. Fine-dining groups like UK-based steakhouse Hawksmoor, French group Big Mamma and The Ivy have either opened or announced expansion plans here.