Owning a Restaurant in Ireland: Myths, Realities, and Setting Yourself Up for Success

Owning a restaurant can be one of the most rewarding and one of the most demanding business ventures. In Ireland, where guest expectations are evolving and operational costs remain high, the stakes are even higher. If you’re considering opening a restaurant or already running one, this guide will help you separate fact from fiction and show you how to position your business for long-term success.

Myth #1: Owning a restaurant is an easy way to get rich

The truth: While restaurants can become profitable, they typically operate on thin margins. According to Hospitality Ireland, 70% of Irish restaurants saw a decline in profitability in 2023. Costs such as staffing, rent, inventory, and energy make it critical to plan carefully and embrace efficient tools from the outset.

How to thrive: Restaurateurs in Ireland are investing in technology to streamline operations and boost profitability. From POS systems to inventory and staff scheduling tools, the right software can help reduce waste, improve order accuracy, and drive revenue.

Myth #2: You’ll be your own boss and work when you want

The truth: You might be the boss, but that doesn’t mean more free time. In fact, many restaurant owners in Ireland take on multiple roles — from head chef to marketer to bookkeeper. As you grow, delegating and building a great team is crucial.

Helpful tip: Building a comprehensive restaurant operations manual can help systematise tasks and reduce burnout.

Myth #3: Success is all about having amazing food

The truth: While great food matters, Irish diners also want seamless service and good value. According to the Voice of the Restaurant Industry in Ireland report, 86% of Irish consumers say dining out feels too expensive — so they expect more from the experience. That includes fast service, friendly staff, and easy digital interactions.

Tips for boosting profits: BANG Restaurant in Dublin boosted its earnings by 12.5% using Toast’s all-in-one POS platform to streamline back-office processes and guest experiences.

Myth #4: You can’t succeed unless you’re in Dublin

The truth: While Dublin is a hotspot, success isn’t confined to the capital. 

Community-focused, high-quality restaurants thrive across the country — especially when they tap into local sourcing, tech, and authentic branding. Find your niche, and it won’t matter whether you’re based in Cork, Limerick, or Ballydehob.

Myth #5: Running a restaurant just means serving food

The truth: Behind the scenes, running a restaurant in Ireland involves managing finances, hiring and retaining staff, keeping up with health regulations, and adapting to digital tools. 

In fact, the top two challenges for Irish restaurant owners are managing finances and employee scheduling (source: Voice of the Restaurant Industry in Ireland).

What’s working: Many operators are turning to AI-powered scheduling software and shift planning tools to reduce admin work and improve staff satisfaction.

What Irish Restaurateurs Are Prioritising

According to the Toast Consumer Preferences Survey 2025, in which 200 Irish restaurant managers were polled on running an establishment:

• 70% of respondents use both opening and closing checklists.

• 57% of operators say short training videos would most help their staff.

• 31% said shift scheduling software would have the biggest impact on day-to-day success.

Final Thoughts

Let's be honest—running a restaurant in Ireland isn't for the faint-hearted. The places that last aren't always the ones with the fanciest food or the trendiest interiors. They're the ones where someone's paying attention to the details—managing costs without cutting corners, treating staff well enough that they stick around, and making smart decisions rather than reactive ones.