Maccies off the menu as store shuts for redesign
Big Mac fans will have to wait to get their fast food fix after one of Maidstone’s most popular restaurants shut for construction work.
McDonald’s in The Broadway near Lockmeadow closed on Monday for three weeks while the builders move in. The entrance is set to be split so there are separate doorways for customers and drivers from the likes of Uber Eats, Just Eat and McDelivery.
The change is designed to improve the experience for those eating in or buying takeaway, so they are not disrupted by staff picking up large orders for app users.
The construction is expected to be completed and restaurant reopened by Thursday, July14.
There are also temporary traffic lights in nearby Hart Street so electric charging points can be installed in the McDonald’s car park.
Franchisee Ali El-Hajj said: “Customers have a different purpose coming into the store than those collecting deliveries.
“Drivers aim to be in and out with their deliveries while customers want to enjoy the dining area. It’s all being changed with the customer in mind and hopefully it will create a better experience.”
The refurbishment is part of a bigger initiative by McDonald’s, and one that could soon be rolled out in the County Town’s
Week Street branch.
The same changes have already occurred in other franchises across the country and now it’s Ali’s store’s turn.
Gareth Pearson, McDonald’s UK and Ireland chief operations officer, said: “The pace of change within the restaurant industry is relentless, and the pandemic accelerated this with digital adoption gathering greater pace.
“Our customers rightly expect to have choice in how and where they order and collect their food, and our job is to ensure that every experience is a great one.
“For this to be the case, we know we also have to provide our restaurant teams and delivery partners with the best possible environment to work in.”