Irish fast food chain Supermacs witnessed its profits increase by 6% to €5.35 million last year.
Profits are expected to rise higher in 2014, according to managing director Pat McDonagh. "There is more confidence creeping back into the market and the Gathering has been a boost." he told the Irish Independent.
The horsemeat controversy this year "actually helped our business in an unusual way as our policy of using only 100% Irish beef and chicken ensured that there was no dip in business," he added.
Less than 10% of customers switched from eating beef to chicken as a result of the controversy, but that effect lasted less than one week, according to the manager.
Supermacs Holdings Ltd enjoyed the rise in profits after revenues increased by 10%, from €66.3 million to €72.65 million, in the 12 months to the end of December last.McDonagh says he has reached verbal agreement with two Irish emigrants to set up franchised Supermacs outlets in Sydney and Perth, Australia.
Supermacs has 105 restaurants across Ireland, employing 2,500 people. The numbers directly employed by Supermacs last year increased from 710 to 899 people.
