McDonald’s drives on with 65 jobs at Belfast restaurant
may create 65 jobs by opening a new restaurant near a Tesco supermarket on the outskirts of Belfast.
The fast-food chain wants to open its latest location, including a drive-through facility, close to Tesco’s Knocknagoney store, in the east of the city.
A spokesman for McDonald’s told this newspaper: “We can confirm that a planning application has been submitted for a new drive-through restaurant in Knocknagoney.
“If approved, the restaurant would create 65 full and parttime jobs.”
Earlier this year, McDonald’s said its local business would not be “affected directly” by changes to the company’s operations in the Republic.
A number of roles at McDonald’s Ireland corporate headquarters have been cut as part of a global cost reduction.
Last year, it was revealed that approximately 100 new jobs were being created with the opening of a new McDonald’s at a Co Down retail park in a £2m investment.
The new restaurant is based at The Outlet in Banbridge, and is part of the development’s latest expansion.
The franchisee is John McCollum, who already owns a McDonald’s at the Sprucefield Shopping Centre, near Lisburn.
The restaurants feature the latest technology and ordering
systems. The chain is spending millions adding touch-screen systems as part of a major revamp across its outlets.
McDonald’s has operated in Northern Ireland for 23 years and has more than two dozen restaurants across the region.
In December last year, the company faced objections to plans for a new restaurant in Belfast, with local residents claiming the eaterie would exacerbate a rodent problem.
The US fast food giant wanted to open a 24-hour restaurant beside Asda on the Shore Road.
But officials said the project should not get the go-ahead because of the potential noise imMCDONALD’S pact on residents and added that it could affect the building of new homes.
Locals had raised concerns about rats in the area, and said that the restaurant could make the problem worse.
Elsewhere, retail and wholesale giant Musgrave has launched its new chip shop franchise, with plans to open additional stores across Northern Ireland.
The latest Chipmongers spot has launched in Lisburn, with seven others already open in the Republic.
Michael Ferris, who owns the new store, said: “Chipmongers prides itself on our food being freshly prepared and the use of only quality ingredients.
“Our chips are freshly handcut and are delicious.
“Customers also love the option to shake a flavour on their chips.
“As well as traditional chip shop fare, including curry and gravy chips and our succulent fish in a beautifully light crispy batter, we offer something for everyone.
“We also have a variety of tasty chip toppings, including sticky Korean barbecue pulled pork, chilli con carne with sour cream and grated cheese, and also baconnaise sauce with grated cheese.”
The company has already launched a number of outlets in the Republic, including in Churchtown in Co Dublin, Bray in Co Wicklow and Enniscorthy in Co Wexford.