Ikano Centres launches drive-thru concept next to IKEA Batu Kawan
GEORGE TOWN: Ikano Centres, building on the opening of the first phase in December last year, is launching a new drive-thru concept next to IKEA Batu Kawan.
Focusing on food and beverage (F&B), the drive-thru component is expected to be fully operational by the middle of next year and will complement the current dine-in IKEA restaurant and F&B tenants.
IKEA Southeast Asia & Mexico managing director Christian Roejkjae said Malaysians had a great love for food and appreciate convenience.
“For many, drive-thrus have become a quintessential part of their lifestyle and may play a crucial role in our ‘new normal’.
“Building our first drive-thru concept in Batu Kawan is one way to create a safe space for the community to come out and enjoy their favourite food,” he said.
IKEA Southeast Asia’s Shopping Centre and Mixed-Use director Christian Olofsson said it was looking forward to welcoming more partners and building a new retail destination for Malaysians and tourists.
The first partner for Ikano Centres’ on-the-go concept is McDonald’s Malaysia, with the quick-service restaurant — Penang’s 16th free-standing McDonald’s outlet — taking up approximately 35,000 sq ft.
“We will continue to cater to changing trends among customers who are increasingly seeking convenience, as well as fast and friendly service, to complement their on-the-go lifestyles,” said McDonald’s Malaysia managing director and local operating partner Azmir Jaafar.
“We are excited to expand our drive-thru footprint to Batu Kawan, where customers can now enjoy ‘feel-good moments’ just by driving by and ordering their favourite meals from a McDonald’s restaurant window.”
Ikano Centres is also in discussions with petrol station operators to meet the high demand within the township of Aspen Vision City in Batu Kawan.
The latest anchored-by-IKEA commercial development is a joint venture between IKEA Southeast Asia and Malaysia’s Aspen Group to develop Aspen Vision City into an iconic hub in the northern region.