There ain’t no finer place to begin your food firm journey

Founded in 1989, Eddie Rocket’s, a well-known restaurant chain in Ireland, is part of the Irish-owned international Rocket’s Restaurant brand, which boasts 40 outlets nationwide - 15 of which are company-owned while the remaining 25 are franchised. The brand also operates a further five Rocket’s outlets, three of which are company-owned and located in Dublin and two which are located in Leipzig and Centre Parcs, Allgau, Germany. And a Dublin-based supply company, Fast Casual Distribution.

The franchise includes the full-service Eddie Rocket’s City Diners, which specialise in the perfect hand-pressed hamburger, American fries, chicken Tenders and hand-dipped milkshakes, all served in their American diner-themed restaurants. While Rocket’s outlets are geared towards speed of service and portability and feature a walk-up counter, focusing on hand pressed hamburgers, fries, and buttermilk chicken.

Both brands focus on freshly cooked food to order prepared in open-view show kitchens – and operating across multiple day parts, they offer lunch, dinner or casual options throughout the day and evening. Additionally, Eddie Rocket’s On Wheels and Shake Shop On Wheels extend the brand’s reach through mobile catering units, offering a simplified menu for events and high-volume occasions.

Boasting a vibrant diner atmosphere, Eddie Rocket’s, which has more than 1000 employees around the country, has become a popular spot for a variety of different types of customers, including families, couples, and individuals seeking a relaxed setting to build connections. The welcoming ambience ensures that everyone feels at home, whether they are enjoying a meal alone or with loved ones. And, the brand has been recognised for its service excellence and innovation, including a nomination for ‘Food & Beverage Service Franchise of the Year’.

Eddie Rocket’s prides itself on fresh, high-quality ingredients, sourcing only 100% Irish beef. Indeed, each outlet takes pride in its rigorous standards, exceptional service, and continuous innovation, and while the restaurants boast a nostalgic atmosphere, Business Development Director, Tobias Lukaschek, says that the company is ‘laser focused on innovation’.

“This is evident in its fully digitalised staff and management training programmes along with its advanced suite of restaurant technology,” he said. “With a purpose-built Cloud-based EPOS system, Eddie Rocket’s seamlessly powers eat-in, delivery, and collection channels, enhancing both staff and diner experiences, while boosting productivity.”

“A big milestone for the chain last year was the launch of our innovative rewards programme ‘Rocket Rewards’ and accompanying new app, which over time is to be introduced group-wide. Rocket Rewards allows members to earn rewards with every dining experience, whether at home or in the diner, offering exclusive discounts through ‘flash rewards.’

“Additionally, the app facilitates convenient online ordering for takeaway and delivery, with customers able to redeem points when in the diner by simply scanning their QR code. There is also a digital rewards programme, online ordering, and an upcoming drone delivery service in partnership with Manna. This approach not only enhances customer convenience but also supports sustainability objectives.”

The company’s supply chain efficiency is supported by its subsidiary, Fast Casual Distribution, which ensures fresh daily deliveries to all outlets. And while undoubtedly a success in Ireland, the brand continues to grow and expand outside the country, with recent expansions in Germany and plans underway to open in Denmark, at the CenterParcs Nordborg Resort, demonstrating its appeal and success in international markets.

“We continuously strive to bring our product offering to new markets,” said Tobias Lukaschek.

“The brand has been well-received in the German market and we are delighted to announce its expansion into Denmark – and so far, customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”