Supermac’s win at the Irish Franchise Awards 2017

Supermac’s has won the Franchise of the Year Award for Outstanding Contribution to Employment in Ireland at the Irish Franchise Awards 2017.

 The awards were announced at an event at the Radisson St Helen’s Hotel in Dublin on Friday last. The awards recognise excellence in franchising and reward the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the franchise industry and are in association with AIB. Supermac’s contribution to communities throughout the country was a key factor in the group of family restaurants winning the award. Supermac’s is Irelands largest indigenous quick service restaurant chain and is going from strength to strength with over 2,500 people employed in over 100 family restaurants throughout the country with significant expansion plans in the near future.

Supermac’s Managing Director, Pat McDonagh, said that he was delighted to win the award on behalf of the franchisees that do an excellent job. “Supermac’s plays a significant role in the communities our stores are based. Along with the employment we provide we become key members of the fabric of the society, particularly in rural Ireland,” he said. “Both Una and I are delighted that the employment we provide and the impact it has on the communities of which we are part has been recognised by this award. Our plan is to continue to create employment and to become part of the balanced effort to regenerate the economy of the entire country,” he concluded.

The judging panel for the 2017 Irish Franchise Awards included Newstalk Business Presenter and former Irish Dragon Bobby Kerr; Greg Swift, head of enterprise at Dublin Local Enterprise Office; Michael Bradley, former CEO of the Irish Franchise Association and Elaine O Regan of the Sunday Business Post.  Speaking on the night, Bobby Kerr commended the very high standard of the entries and presentations received and remarked on the huge numbers employed in Ireland through the various franchise systems. All finalists received a framed Certificate of Excellence on the night and winners received a bespoke crystal award and personalised branded video footage with highlights from the night.

Over 28,000 people are now working in the Irish franchise sector engaged in the operations of 2,975 different franchise units across a wide range of sectors ranging from retailing and food service right through to an interesting selection of business-to-business and business-to-consumer services.

The ceremony was an impressive business event reflecting the strength of the franchise sector over the last two decades.   David Killeen, Chairman of the Irish Franchise Association said “The awards are an opportunity for us to formally recognise and celebrate the excellent work being done by all franchise operators in growing our sector.  On behalf of the Association I would like to congratulate all entrants and winners with special thanks to our co-sponsors AIB and award sponsors which include Home Instead Senior Care, TaxAssist Accountants, Snap, The Irish Franchise Show, Eddie Rockets, McDonalds, Lets Operate, Comans Beverages, JBM & Merit Solutions, The Sunday Business Post  and Skillnet.”

Jarlath O Dwyer of Supermac’s being presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution to Employment in Ireland by award sponsor David Owens, CEO of Lets Operate, at the Irish Franchise Awards in Dublin on Friday evening.