FRANCHISING IN IRELAND - SHOULD FIVE GUYS GO IRISH?Making a decision on products and countries seemed daunting at first. Brainstorming with colleagues and friends to find the perfect idea that piqued my interest seemed impossible. Many ideas were discussed and brainstormed, however, when thinking about restaurants and franchising the first idea was born. Five Guys Hamburgers and Fries seems like the perfect fit for Ireland and that's where my journey began. From 1995 to 2007, Ireland developed a very rapid economic growth called the Celtic Tiger, going from one of the poorest countries to one of the richest. The Irish had low corporate tax, borrowed money from the European Union, and invested these 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 wages, low taxes and membership of the European Union were all factors to consider in their decision to move to Ireland. Ireland also has a state agency that encourages business start-ups by providing financial, technical and social support. In 2008-2009 Ireland entered a recession, the first in over 10 years. As Ireland faced this severe economic crisis, as did many other countries, the Irish unemployment rate increased to 8% in 2008 and the housing market went from 14-16 years. % in 2006 to approximately 5% in 2009. In April 2010, unemployment was at 13.4%. The Irish government has implemented across-the-board spending and budget cuts in 2009, including reducing the wages of all public employees. Furthermore, in 2009 the Irish Government established NAMA – The National Association Management Agency. This agency acquires ownership and… mid-paper… market research would be required to further investigate the opportunity and feasibility of opening a Five Guys Burger and Fries in another country. Five Guys' concept of advertising where the potatoes come from would be a great advertising tool in Ireland, not to mention serving the chips in paper bags. It is hoped that using fresh potatoes from the Irish countryside will be attractive to Irish people, rather than the frozen chips used by many fast food outlets. If I had several million dollars and an Irish business partner, I would like to invest in opening Five Guys Hamburger and Fries restaurants in Dublin, Ireland, and I think it could give some competition to McDonald's and Burger King. I would also like to explore and investigate Irish liquor licensing and whether liquor (beer and wine) can be served and allowed in a Five Guys Hamburgers by the Franchisor.