WEALTH September 22, 2026 0 Comments

Applegreen’s €15M Naas Bet: Unveiling the Game-Changer That Could Spark 150 New Jobs and Rewrite Ireland’s Service Station Playbook

Ever wonder what it takes to turn a simple roadside stop into a buzzing hub of activity – complete with mouth-watering eats, speedy EV chargers, and 150 shiny new jobs? Well, Applegreen’s latest €15 million investment near Naas on the M7 is doing just that, and it’s no small fry. Opening on September 29, this spot isn’t just a pit stop; it’s a game-changer, packing in first-time Irish drive-thrus for Popeyes and Taco Bell alongside favorites like M&S Food and Braeburn Coffee. And if you’re thinking that’s all, think again – with ultra-fast EV chargers and HGV truck stops, this is fueling the future while serving up some serious Southern hospitality. So, what can entrepreneurs and investors learn from Applegreen’s savvy expansion that’s making waves across Ireland and beyond? Let’s dig in. LEARN MORE

Applegreen is set to open a new €15m roadside service area at Junction 9 of the M7 near the Naas Ball next week, creating 150 new jobs.

The new facility will open to customers at 9.30am on Tuesday, September 29, and will feature a range of food, retail and fuelling options.

The site will include Popeyes and Taco Bell restaurants, M&S Food, Crafted Kitchen & Deli, Braeburn Coffee, as well as an Applegreen forecourt and convenience store.

The Popeyes outlet will be the first drive-thru location for the brand in the Republic of Ireland. Applegreen said an additional drive-thru brand will also be added to the site in the coming months.

The service area will also feature eight Applegreen Fast Charge ultra-fast EV chargers, providing 16 charging points, alongside a separate truck stop for HGV fuelling.

“We are delighted to announce that our new service area in Naas will open on September 29 and we look forward to welcoming customers to the site,” said Seamus Stapleton, managing director of Applegreen’s Republic of Ireland business.

Naas is the second major service area Applegreen has opened in Ireland in the past year. The company opened a €15m facility at Junction 6 of the M3 in Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, last September.

Popeyes CEO for the UK and Ireland Tom Crowley said the company was “excited” to be opening its first Irish drive-thru in partnership with Applegreen.

“We can’t wait to welcome the local community through our doors and share our famous Louisiana hospitality, bold flavours and unmistakable Popeyes crunch,” he said.

Opening-day promotions will include free Popeyes chicken sandwiches for a year for the first three customers on foot, while the first 100 customers will receive a free chicken sandwich.

Taco Bell will also offer free burrito meals for a year to its first three customers, while Crafted Kitchen & Deli will give away free Full Irish breakfasts to its first 10 customers.

Applegreen currently has almost 200 locations in Ireland and said it typically invests more than €30m annually in the Irish market.

The site will include Popeyes and Taco Bell restaurants, M&S Food, Crafted Kitchen & Deli, Braeburn Coffee, as well as an Applegreen forecourt and convenience store.

The company is investing €1bn across Ireland, the UK and US as it expands through new locations, acquisitions and upgrades to its existing network.

Applegreen Group reported turnover of €3.8bn in 2024 and employs almost 18,000 people worldwide during the peak summer period.