The €1.1 million investment marks a major milestone in KFC’s Irish expansion

The new restaurant will feature modern interiors, digital kiosks and seating across two floors

Dublin fried chicken fans are in for a treat, as KFC has opened its new flagship restaurant on Grafton Street. The restaurant will serve up KFC’s full menu of fried chicken favourites. Located at the heart of Dublin’s busiest shopping street, the new 301m² restaurant sits across two floors and is fitted with the latest KFC restaurant design. It features 65 seats for customers choosing to eat in, as well as digital ordering kiosks for those who want to grab and go.

KFC’s latest restaurant in Ireland represents a €1.1 million investment and will create over 80 new jobs. The opening is the new jewel in the crown of KFC’s Irish estate and underlines KFC’s ambition to accelerate its footprint in Ireland as part of its wider commitment to deliver €1.7 billion of impact across Ireland and the UK over the next five years.

Rob Swain, General Manager, KFC UK & Ireland added: “Grafton Street is symbol of Dublin’s energy and ambition, so it’s fitting that this is where we open our new flagship restaurant in Ireland. This restaurant will play a central role in our plan to open 25 new restaurants and create more than 800 additional jobs across Ireland in the coming years. I’m incredibly proud of the team who have built this restaurant from the ground up,  delivering a space that reflects both KFC’s modern brand and the character of one of Europe’s most famous streets.”

Dan Foster, Region Coach at KFC Ireland said: “We wanted to do something really special for Grafton Street and treat the building, and the street itself, with the respect they deserve. We added bespoke, period-inspired touches – from mouldings and tiles to a gallery-style staircase and custom-made furniture, including a statement table made from recycled materials. It’s a space that feels rooted in Dublin’s history, but still very much KFC, and it shows how serious we are about opening great restaurants in historic locations.”

The opening comes during a period of strong momentum for KFC in Ireland. The brand now operates 34 restaurants nationwide, employs close to 1,000 people, and has already invested over €1.2 million over the past 12 months in upgrading equity restaurants in Newbridge, Sligo and Blanchardstown Centre. KFC plans to open 25 new restaurants across Ireland over the next five years, creating approximately 820 additional jobs through direct investment.

The new restaurant will also participate in KFC’s food donation programme in partnership with FoodCloud, the Dublin-born non-profit whose technology has helped KFC redistribute freshly prepared surplus chicken to community causes in Ireland and the UK.

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KitKat is proud to be the official chocolate bar of Formula 1. To mark this exciting partnership, the brand is launching a chocolate masterpiece in the shape of a Formula 1 racing car, the first of its kind. Featuring a smooth milk chocolate shell with creamy filling and embedded crispy cereal pieces, the product showcases Nestlé’s world-class R&D expertise and precision manufacturing.

Louise Barrett, Head of the Nestlé Research and Development Centre for Confectionery, York, UK, said:

“The R&D Centre in York is a global hub for innovation in confectionery, where pioneering ideas are transformed into reality. Just as Formula 1 teams apply meticulous precision to every design detail, our KitKat teams have worked tirelessly on elevating even the tiniest design elements, drawing on their deep expertise in product development and moulding, to engineer this miniature replica of a Formula 1 car for consumers to enjoy on their next break.”

The KitKat F1 chocolate car will be available from January 2026, as the global partnership kicks off in alignment with the F1 calendar.

KitKat will feature at key F1 races in Nestlé’s top markets during the 2026 season. The partnership goes beyond trackside visibility, delivering immersive fan experiences through social media engagement, exclusive merchandise, in-store activations, prize promotions, and innovative, limited-edition products. KitKat will also appear with targeted ads during Netflix series, Drive to Survive, giving fans unique ways to engage with a sport that’s rapidly gaining traction among younger generations.

Scott Coles, Managing Director for Nestlé Confectionery in the UK and Ireland, said:

“Crafted in the iconic shape of a Formula 1 car and inspired by the thrill of both Formula 1 and the KitKat break, this treat has been made for fans who crave excitement both on and off the track.

“We want to bring exhilarating F1 breaks to everyone. KitKat’s always been about those feel-good breaks and now, much like those crucial pit stops during any F1 race, we want KitKat fans to hit that pause button, making it even easier to disconnect and re-charge.

“Combining product innovation with strong consumer engagement is what sets KitKat apart from the competition and we can’t wait to share what’s next for the UK & Ireland in 2026.”

Watch this space for further exciting news on the KitKat and Formula 1 partnership here in the UK and Ireland. The KitKat Formula 1 chocolate car single (29g) and multi-pack (5x11g) will be available nationwide in Ireland from mid-January.

The F1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, GRAND PRIX and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.

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Now in its 29th year, the EOY programme is a cornerstone of Ireland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The EOY alumni community has grown to more than 680 entrepreneurs, representing some of the island’s most innovative and high‑performing businesses, who support and empower each other both as friends and entrepreneurial peers through collaboration, mentorship and trade. Together, they employ over 275,000 people and generate more than €28 billion in annual revenues. These figures reflect the economic strength, and the deeper societal impact of entrepreneurship: the jobs created, the communities strengthened and the ideas that continue to transform how we live and work.

Roger Wallace, Head of Assurance and EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland, commented:

“Entrepreneurs are the driving force of Ireland’s economy. They combine vision with courage, creativity with determination, and in doing so they push our island forward in ways that few other groups can. In a world defined by constant change, new global norms and rising pressures, these leaders remain steady innovators who turn bold ideas into real impact. As a country, we rely on their ambition, and it is more important than ever that we champion, support and celebrate the entrepreneurs shaping tomorrow.”

“Entrepreneurship is the heartbeat of Ireland’s future, and the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme celebrates that power every year. Today, we invite a new generation of entrepreneurs to submit their nominations and become part of the 2026 cohort.”

About the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year programme is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors and growth stages in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The awards programme is divided into three categories – Emerging, Established and International – with eight finalists chosen per category.

Twenty‑four finalists will be selected for the 2026 programme. As finalists, they will participate in a 9 ‑month strategic growth programme that includes executive education, networking forums, tailored media profiling, and the annual CEO Retreat, which this year will take place in Toronto, Canada. Finalists will also be welcomed into the EOY alumni community, gaining access to one of the most influential peer networks in Ireland.

This year’s programme celebrates the people whose ideas, ambition and resilience are shaping what comes next for Ireland, the leaders whose vision continues to set new standards for Irish entrepreneurship. This year, the programme’s theme “The Entrepreneurs” recognises those who pair imagination with action, turning ideas into impact and ambition into lasting value. These leaders bring diversity of thought, originality and a relentless drive to create something better. Their influence can be felt across industries, communities and global markets, reflecting the depth of talent and the forward momentum that continues to define the entrepreneurial landscape from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

EOY Judging Panel

The 24 finalists will be selected by an independent judging panel comprising of former winners and chaired by Harry Hughes of Portwest. Speaking at the launch, Harry Hughes, CEO of Portwest and Chairperson of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Judging Panel said:
“Each year, I am reminded of the extraordinary calibre of entrepreneurs across this island. They challenge convention, find opportunity where others see uncertainty, and build businesses that leave a lasting imprint on their industries and communities. This year’s theme, ‘The Entrepreneurs’, reflects the individuality and creative drive that unite these leaders. As judges, we have the privilege of meeting the entrepreneurs whose ideas, resilience and ambition are actively shaping the future of Ireland and beyond. Their impact reaches far beyond their own companies, and it is an honour to help recognise and celebrate their achievements.

The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Ireland programme is supported by Premium Corporate Sponsor Julius Baer International, and Government sponsor Enterprise Ireland. Invest Northern Ireland is a long-standing supporter of the programme.

Anyone interested can find out more or complete an online nomination form at www.eoy.ie. Those nominating someone else must do so with the entrepreneur’s consent.

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• €1 million fundraising target to fund suicide prevention and 24/7 crisis support.
• 1c / 1p from every litre sold on January 15th donated directly to both charities*.
• Partnership will help deliver vital services for communities nationwide

 Circle K has announced a new three-year charity partnership with Ireland’s leading suicide and self-harm prevention charity, Pieta. The partnership will see Circle K commit to fundraising €1million for Pieta over the next three years. The charity’s services include free counselling to those with suicidal ideation, those engaging in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide across Ireland.

Support will also extend to Northern Ireland, with customer donations directed to PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland, Pieta’s partner in the region. This approach ensures that funds raised locally go directly towards supporting individuals and families within their own communities throughout the initiative.

The partnership officially launches this week across Circle K sites nationwide. On 15^th of January, Circle K will donate 1c from every litre of fuel sold in the Republic of Ireland to Pieta, and 1p from every litre sold in Northern Ireland to PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland*.

Both organisations share a commitment to being consistently present and supportive in communities across Ireland. With its nationwide network and local presence, Circle K is proud to stand alongside Pieta and PIPS in raising awareness and vital funds to help ensure professional suicide and self-harm prevention services are available whenever and wherever they are needed.

This new partnership builds on Circle K’s longstanding support for Pieta. Each year, Circle K provides free tea and coffee to participants across its network after the annual Darkness into Light walk, a gesture that has become a meaningful part of the nationwide event. Most recently, Circle K also supported Pieta through its Coast to Coast fundraising initiative, helping to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity’s life-saving services.

Ciara Foxton Managing Director, Circle K Ireland commented:

“At Circle K, supporting the communities we serve isn’t just part of what we do, it’s at the heart of who we are. We are proud to begin this new three-year partnership with Pieta, an organisation that delivers life-saving support to those in crisis. Together, our goal is to raise vital funds and awareness so that anyone in need can access free, professional help, 24 hours a day, every day.

We are equally committed to supporting PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland in Northern Ireland, ensuring that this partnership reaches every corner of the island. We know this is a cause close to many of our colleagues and customers, and we’re proud to stand with Pieta and PIPS in helping to raise vital awareness and support for those who need it most.”

Stephanie Manahan, CEO at Pieta said: “This partnership with Circle K represents a meaningful commitment to suicide and self-harm prevention across Ireland. It will help Pieta continue to provide free, professional support to people experiencing suicidal distress, self-harm, or the impact of suicide, whenever they need it, and wherever they live.

Circle K’s strong community presence and long-standing support for Pieta reflect a shared belief that mental health support should be visible, accessible, and available without barriers. We are deeply grateful to Circle K, its teams, and its customers for helping to ensure that no one faces crisis alone.

Demand for our services continues to grow, and long-term partnerships like this are vital to keeping our therapy services and 24/7 Crisis Helpline open, accessible, and staffed by qualified therapists. The funds raised through this initiative will directly support that work and help us be there at the most critical moments.” 

Renee Quinn, CEO at PIPS also commented: “Suicide impacts every layer of society — families, communities, and workplaces — and the demand for accessible, immediate mental health support continues to rise. At PIPS Charity, we are committed to providing counselling and crisis intervention that is free, confidential and without delay. Our services, including our crisis walk-in support in Belfast, daytime crisis telephone lines across our locations, and our Friday night overnight crisis service, ensure support remains available even when many others are closed.

We are sincerely grateful to Circle K for partnering with us and for the leadership they are demonstrating in prioritising community wellbeing. Circle K’s support — through their teams, their platform, and their customers — will play a pivotal role in strengthening our ability to reach more people across Ireland, challenge stigma, and deliver potentially life-saving intervention at critical moments. 

This partnership goes beyond fundraising — it is a shared commitment to hope, prevention and real-world impact. Together with Circle K, we will continue working toward a future where seeking help is met with understanding, and where vital support is always within reach for those who need it most.”

* This initiative applies solely to retail sales and does not include commercial or bulk fuel transactions.

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How Retailers Turn Payments into Experiences

The payment moment is no longer just about authorising a transaction. It is becoming a space where retailers can build trust, show relevance and deepen customer relationships.

A payment is no longer just a payment

When I look at how payments have evolved in retail, one thing stands out: the moment of transaction has shifted from functional to emotional. It is not just a step between the product and the receipt. It is a moment where customers decide whether they feel understood, reassured or ignored.

A few years ago, speed was the competitive edge. Today, that is simply hygiene. According to UK Finance, contactless payments now account for around three-quarters of all debit card transactions in the UK, which tells us that frictionless payment is already the norm. The real differentiator is what happens in that brief moment of interaction.

The checkout as a brand touchpoint

Customers now expect payment interactions to feel modern, intuitive and personal. When the process feels effortless and respectful of their time, it reinforces confidence in the retailer. When it is clumsy, confusing or inaccessible, it creates a moment of disconnection.

I believe the checkout is becoming a brand touchpoint in the same way a store’s lighting, layout or customer service already are. It can reassure customers, reinforce values, reflect inclusivity and increase loyalty. When done right, it can even create a moment of positive surprise.

Experience is built through intelligent design

To deliver meaningful payment experiences, retailers need systems that can adapt rather than simply process. Many modern payment environments are now built on flexible software platforms that allow retailers to tailor what appears on screen, whether it is a prompt to save a receipt digitally, an invitation to join a loyalty scheme or a thank-you message that feels human rather than generic.

The technology is not the experience in itself. The experience comes from using that technology thoughtfully. When retailers use the payment moment to recognise a returning customer, offer a helpful next step or simply confirm transparency and security, they create emotional reassurance. That reassurance is what builds trust over time.

The role of accessibility and inclusion

One of the most important developments in experience-based payment design is accessibility. Regulations such as the European Accessibility Act, along with the UK’s Equality Act 2010, are reshaping expectations for how payment touchpoints serve all customers. I see this not as a compliance burden, but as a design opportunity.

When a payment interface is clear enough for someone with low vision, or intuitive enough for someone who is unfamiliar with digital payments, it is often better for everyone. Accessibility is not a niche consideration. It is the foundation of dependable and human-centred experience design.

What retailers need behind the scenes

Creating a better checkout experience requires more than a new user interface. Retailers need the ability to update and refine customer prompts without deploying new devices or creating operational upheaval. They need data insights that reveal which messages customers respond to. They need support systems that allow them to fix issues before they are noticed. They also need reliable connections between payments, loyalty systems and reporting layers so that customers do not experience disjointed journeys.

In my view, this is where the idea of moving “beyond the transaction” becomes operational. Payment is no longer just a final step. It is part of a living system that must evolve continuously.

Experience and trust are increasingly linked

Trust is now a major factor in how customers perceive payment moments. If a device feels outdated or slow, it can weaken confidence in how securely their details are being handled. If a terminal feels modern, communicates clearly and delivers instant confirmation, it reinforces a perception of safety and professionalism.

A good payment experience creates emotional closure. It tells the customer the retailer values their time, respects their expectations and understands their needs. That feeling contributes directly to loyalty, even if it is never articulated verbally.

A new role for the payment moment

The retailers who will succeed in the next phase of commerce will not see payments as the end of a journey. They will treat it as a carefully crafted touchpoint that carries emotional weight.

My belief is that the checkout is becoming a space where retailers can prove who they are through how they interact. It can express clarity, care, confidence and inclusion. It can reinforce brand identity without a slogan or a campaign.

Payment will always be a functional requirement. What is changing is that it is also becoming a human moment. The businesses that embrace that shift will not just process more transactions. They will earn more trust.

By Jean-Philippe Niedergang, Group CCO / EMEA-PACIFIC-LATAM CEO, Castles Technology.

Jean-Philippe Niedergang is a highly accomplished executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in the payments, IT, and telecommunications industries, including more than 20 years specializing in the payment sector. He has held pivotal leadership roles in renowned international organizations, such as Vice President of Southern Europe at Verifone, VP of Insurance Markets at Atos Origin, and VP Western Europe at American Express. In these roles, Jean-Philippe successfully managed large teams, delivered double-digit growth, and implemented global strategies, establishing a proven track record of driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence across diverse markets.

As Group CCO and EMEA-PACIFIC-LATAM CEO, Jean-Philippe is responsible for driving strategic growth and strengthening Castles Technology’s presence across the Globe; he is also directly leading the teams from three critical regions of the Company. He plays a key role in expanding the company’s global footprint, developing omnichannel payment strategies, and ensuring operational efficiency to meet the evolving needs of customers and partners.

Castles Technology

Castles Technology is a global leader in payment acceptance solutions, providing cutting-edge terminals, innovative solutions, and exceptional services to empower the payment ecosystem. Castles Technology partners with over thousands of customers including banks, merchants, FinTech’s, acquirers, ISVs, and PSPs, deploying millions of POS terminals worldwide for retailers of all sizes.

As the foremost Android payment acceptance, Castles Technology offers secure, reliable, and seamless solutions with global and local reach. With over 30 years of experience, the company’s dedicated community of experts is committed to anticipating and shaping the future of commerce worldwide, while their powerful devices, secure payment solutions, and top-notch services ensure unparalleled quality and performance.

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