Applegreen
Applegreen Limited is an Irish multinational corporation specializing in roadside hospitality, operating petrol forecourts, convenience stores, and motorway service areas that provide fuel, food, and retail services.[1] Founded in 1992 in Dublin by Chairman Bob Etchingham and CEO Joe Barrett with the opening of its first service station in Ballyfermot, the company has grown through acquisitions and organic expansion, emphasizing competitive fuel pricing and quality assured fuel supplies.[2][3] The business maintains a significant presence in Ireland as the largest operator of motorway service areas, with additional operations in the United States focusing on travel plazas featuring partnerships with brands such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Dunkin', and a historically notable footprint in the United Kingdom that included second-largest status in motorway services until the divestment of its 98-site UK petrol station portfolio to EG On The Move in early 2025.[1][3][4] As of recent assessments, Applegreen's core operations in Ireland and the US encompass approximately 359 sites, including 120 large motorway service areas in the US, supporting a workforce of nearly 18,000 and generating annual turnover exceeding €4 billion through integrated fuel, food, and convenience offerings, including electric vehicle charging via Applegreen Electric.[5][1] Applegreen's defining characteristics include its disruptive entry into the market following 2005 European legislation that ended long-term fuel supply contracts, enabling independent pricing strategies that prioritize low costs for consumers, alongside innovations in food and beverage services with in-house brands like Bakewell and Braeburn coffee, and collaborations with global chains to enhance customer convenience at high-traffic locations.[6] The company's growth trajectory reflects a focus on strategic site acquisitions and upgrades, positioning it as a leader in the sector despite evolving challenges such as the shift toward electric vehicles and regulatory changes in fuel markets.[1]