McDonald’s has announced ambitious plans to open 200 new restaurants and create a staggering 24,000 jobs across the UK and Ireland.
The fast food chain currently has 1,435 restaurants in Great Britain, where franchise companies own approximately 80 percent of the locations and employ more than 170,000 people.
Today saw a hefty announcement from McDonald’s, marking their most significant expansion since 2002 and backed by a £1bn pledge to revamp the country’s high streets.
Alistair Macrow, CEO of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, proudly reflected on the journey: “We’ve come a long way since opening our doors in Woolwich 50 years ago.
“I am delighted that in this milestone year we can demonstrate our continued commitment to growth and announce the creation of new jobs across the country.”
When will the new McDonald’s restaurants open?
McDonald’s will open 200 new restaurants by 2028, but exact dates and locations have not yet been revealed.
The global fast food chain has hinted where some of the new sites will open in “high-end areas”. McDonald’s revealed that it is “always looking for new sites” that meet the following criteria:
- Drive Thru/Drive To/ High number of visitors in stores
- Places outside the city / on the edge of the city by the roadside
- Next to supermarkets, retail and leisure parks
- Highway roads
- Minimum traffic volume of 15,000 vehicles per day
- The minimum plot area is 0.3 hectares
- Private/shared parking space
The CEO of McDonald’s further emphasized the company’s focus and dedication to the future: “It is a moment to celebrate and also look to the future.
“Whether it’s continuing to offer the best value to our customers, investing in restaurants, supporting suppliers across the UK or launching new initiatives for young people where our communities need them most.
“We are proud of what we have delivered over the past 50 years and are committed to investing in new opportunities and supporting growth across the UK,” the Mirror reported.
Fans of the world-famous franchise will soon be able to take part in the famous Monopoly challenge starting Wednesday, September 4. Diners can collect stickers representing train stations or color-coordinated road names from their food packages – just like the classic board game.
But not all menu items are worth the same, and this determines how you claim your prize. For example, fast food prizes can be redeemed at any McDonald’s branch by handing over the token to the counter when ordering.
Last year’s top prizes included £100,000 in cash for the four winners and 2,000 ‘gold cards’ which get you a free Maccies meal every week for a year.
