Ever dreamt of running your own business close to home?
Local Eats expands into Ireland and it could be your opportunity
If you have ever considered starting your own business but were not sure where to begin, a new opportunity launching across Ireland may be worth a closer look.
Local Eats, a fast growing food ordering platform often compared to Just Eat but with a strong local first approach, is now expanding into Ireland and offering a limited number of exclusive franchise licences in towns across the country.
A “Business in a Box” Ready in Weeks, Not Months
Since launching in the UK in 2020, Local Eats has helped hundreds of people build their own income streams within their local communities.
Now, Irish entrepreneurs have the chance to do the same.
The model is designed to remove many of the traditional barriers to starting a business. With a one off setup cost of €7,000, franchisees receive everything needed to launch a fully operational food ordering platform in their area, typically within six weeks.
That includes:
* A fully branded website and mobile app
* Access to the Local Eats marketplace
* Step by step onboarding and training
* Ongoing operational and marketing support
“We provide the software and the know how. It is essentially a business in a box,” says Local Eats COO Oliver Jackson, who also started as the company’s first franchisee.
“You are guided through exactly what to do, when to do it, and how to grow.”
Focus on Growth Not Admin
One of the biggest advantages of the model is how much of the heavy lifting is handled centrally.
Customer service, payments, and back end systems are all managed by Local Eats head office, allowing franchisees to focus on what really drives growth, building relationships with local restaurants and promoting the platform in their area.
“You are not tied to your phone or inbox all day,” Jackson explains. “We handle the admin. The person on the ground focuses on growing the business locally.”
A Flexible Opportunity for Full Time or Side Income
For many, flexibility is a key draw.
Local Eats is not just for full time entrepreneurs. It is also designed to work alongside existing careers.
“Some of our franchisees run this as a side business, while others grow it into their main income,” says Jackson. “It suits people who want to build something of their own, but on their own terms.”
That flexibility has made it particularly appealing to professionals looking to:
* Create an additional income stream
* Transition out of traditional employment
* Build something scalable over time
Why Restaurants Are Signing Up
For local restaurants, the appeal is straightforward. Lower costs and a more personal service.
Local Eats offers significantly lower commission rates than major national platforms, with no upfront sign up fees, making it an easy and low risk addition for takeaway owners.
For example, a takeaway processing around 200 orders per week could save hundreds of euros. That money can be reinvested into staff, rent, or customer offers.
Importantly, restaurants do not need to leave existing platforms.
“Most of our partners run us alongside other apps,” says Jackson. “It is an easy win for them. More orders and lower fees.”
Built for Independent, Local Businesses
While major delivery platforms often focus on large chains, Local Eats is designed with independent businesses in mind.
From cafés and takeaways to butchers and bakeries, the platform reflects the diversity of local food scenes, something that resonates strongly in towns and smaller cities.
“There is a real appetite for supporting local in Ireland,” Jackson says. “People care about where their money goes.”
A Local Business Run by Local People
Unlike global platforms, Local Eats is built around a simple idea. Local people running local businesses and serving their own communities.
That means franchisees are not just operators. They become visible and active members of the local economy.
From visiting restaurants in person to supporting community initiatives, the model encourages owners to build genuine relationships on the ground.
“We always say, do not hide behind a laptop,” Jackson adds. “Get out there, meet people, be part of the community. That is what makes this work.”
Limited Opportunities Now Available
As Local Eats rolls out across Ireland, franchise licences are being offered on an exclusive one per area basis, meaning availability is limited.
For those considering a move into business ownership, whether as a side project or a long term venture, this could be a timely opportunity to get in early.
Interested in finding out more?
Register your interest today and check if your area is still available.
Interested candidates can reach via the registration of interest form on the website.