FRANCHISING IN IRELAND – SHOULD FIVE GUYS GO IRISH? Making a decision on products and countries seemed daunting at first. Brainstorming with associates and friends to find the perfect idea that interested me seemed impossible. Several ideas were discussed and brainstormed, but it was with restaurants and franchises in mind that the first idea was born. Five Guys Hamburgers and Fries seemed like the perfect fit for Ireland and that’s where my journey began. From around 1995 to 2007, Ireland experienced very rapid economic growth called the Celtic Tiger, going from one of the poorest countries to one of the richest. The Irish had a low corporate tax rate, borrowed money from the European Union, and invested those funds in education. These and other factors attracted large companies such as Dell and Microsoft, and these companies were encouraged to locate in Ireland. These companies found that lower employee salaries, low taxes and membership of the European Union were all factors in the decision to relocate to Ireland. Ireland also has a public agency that encourages business creation by providing financial, technical and social support. In 2008-09, Ireland entered a recession - the first in over 10 years. As Ireland faced this major economic crisis, like several other countries, the Irish unemployment rate increased to 8% in 2008 and the property market increased from 14% to 16%. % in 2006 to around 5% in 2009. In April 2010, the unemployment rate was 13.4%. The Irish government has made across-the-board cuts to spending and budgets for 2009, including a reduction in the salaries of all civil servants. Additionally, in 2009 the Irish Government established NAMA – the National Associations Management Agency. This agency is acquiring property and...... middle of paper ...... market research would be necessary to further study the desirability and feasibility of opening a Five Guys Burger and Fries in another country. Five Guys' advertising concept about the origin of potatoes would be a great advertising hook in Ireland, not to mention serving fries in paper bags. Hopefully using fresh potatoes from the Irish countryside would appeal to the Irish, instead of the frozen fries that many fast food places use. If I had several million dollars and an Irish business partner, I would love to invest in opening Five Guys Hamburger and Fries restaurants in Dublin, Ireland and I think it might just give McDonald's and Burger King some competition . I would also like to explore and investigate Irish liquor licensing and whether alcohol (beer and wine) could be served and licensed in a Five Guys Hamburgers by the franchisor..