British burger chain, Gourmet Burger Kitchen is to launch in Ireland and open six outlets this year. Ireland's Master Franchisor and fast food tycoon Graeme Beere plans to create and expand an Irish network of more than 40 outlets creating at least 600 jobs.

Beere already controls Abrakebabra and Bagel Factory franchises and has the franchise rights for the Yo! Sushi chain. He has decided not to sub-franchise the new Irish Gourmet Burger Kitchen outlets and has set aside five million euros to develop the burger concept throughout Ireland in its first year.

Last year Beere's company had a turnover of 2.5 million euros and expects this to increase to five million euros in 2009.