More than 140 jobs have been saved as a result of a settlement of a dispute between 1950s-style diner Eddie Rocket’s and its largest franchisee.
This follows Limerick businessman Brian Dunne agreeing to pay Niall Fortune's Eddie Rockets (Ireland) Ltd €250,000 as settlement for money owed to the firm.
Mr Dunne has been the largest Eddie Rocket's franchisee and has operated Eddie Rocket's outlets in Limerick, Galway, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary since 1998 and Mr Fortune's firm moved to wind up Mr Dunne's companies over the money owed.
However, arising from the row, Mr Dunne is to no longer operate under the Eddie Rocket's brand and is currently rebranding the restaurants Rockin' Joes.
Central to the deal with Mr Dunne and Mr Fortune is the removal of all Eddie Rocket’s paraphernalia from the 11 outlets.
As part of the High Court settlement, Mr Dunne has agreed that Rockin' Joes will sell all the outlets' table jukeboxes to Eddie Rocket's for €300 each; all seating to be changed from red to blue; the logo "Ain't no Finer Diner" to be removed from all clocks and doors.
The agreement also prohibits Rockin’ Joes from using new table jukeboxes.
