Sweeney back in charge at O’Brien’s

THE founder of O’Brien’s Sandwich Bars, Brody Sweeney, has assumed the position of chief executive in the group following the departure of Fiachra Nagle from the top job.

Sweeney denied any rift and said the terms of the departure were amicable. Nagle has declined to comment.

Like other outlets the highly successful O’Brien’s has been taking the backlash of the recession and 2008 is the first time in 20 years that like for like sales will show a decline.

Sweeney also confirmed that the slow down has forced the group to cut prices in an effort to keep the business healthy.

Apart from competitive pressures the group is engaged in a legal battle with former franchisees who have broken away from the group.

“We had to take the court cases. It is the very heart of the franchise to be able to enforce non compete clauses”, he said.

Last week Sweeney published his book: Small to Tall: How to Grow your Company.