Staff at the US fast-food chain are expecting a huge turnout
12:10, 03 Dec 2025Updated 13:51, 03 Dec 2025
Taco Bell sign (stock)(Image: Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
It’s great news for Cork foodies as bosses at a US takeaway giant have confirmed they’re launching their first-ever outlet in the county before Christmas.
The major American fast-food chain Taco Bell will open its highly anticipated new restaurant in Ballincollig on Tuesday December 9th. It comes just under two months after huge crowds turned out at the launch of the group’s first outlet in Ireland in Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath. Yet another site is also set to open at Lusk Northbound in Dublin before the end of 2025 – but that opening date is yet to be revealed.
Taco Bell confirmed the Cork restaurant’s opening date in a social media post this week, referencing the now-famous ‘Don’t Make Unnecessary Journeys’ clip featuring RTÉ’s Teresa Mannion – you can check it out below. It comes as part of a partnership with service station chain Applegreen, and the restaurant is expected to open at their location in Ballincollig. It’s great news for many Rebels coming up to the holiday season, who’ll now get to try many of the US chain’s fan-favourite menu items right here in Co. Cork – like their taco supremes, melt burritos and quesadillas.
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It’s understood that the Taco Bell team are expecting a massive turnout on launch day in Ballincollig, following the huge crowds that turned up to the opening in Dunshaughlin in September. On the day, staff even had to erect marquees outside to keep patient queuers dry as they waited for seats to clear up in the jam-packed restaurant.
Taco Bell launched a hiring campaign for their new Cork shop earlier this year, but it’s understood that all positions have now been filled and staff have been trained in ahead of the big launch this month. The opening will be the second time a major US fast-food chain has expanded into Cork this year alone, after Wendy’s opened their first Irish outlet in Mahon Point in October.
Of course, American companies aren’t the only ones opening new food spots in the Rebel County. A well-known Cork food business family is also opening new takeaways across the city, as owners and brothers Scott and Mark Harrington start a brand-new chapter. The Harrington’s legacy food business began four decades ago in Hollyhill.
The twins’ father, Tom Harrington, first opened the Burger Hut chipper in 1985, and over the decades built a portfolio of takeaways. His businesses included Apache Pizza franchises in Hollyhill, Bishopstown, and Douglas. Now, Tom’s sons are ready for their new foodie venture.