McDonald’s New Zealand has announced expansive plans to invest close to $100 million over the next five years, including the opening of 15 restaurants across the country. The money will go towards the renovation of a number of stores, and the opening of other ones.
2019 will see four new restaurants opening, including one in the Auckland International Airport and another at the Taupiri interchange in the Waikato. Additionally, ten restaurants will undergo significant refurbishments, including an updated interior and exterior design, as well as digital menu boards and self-service ordering systems. On top of this, there are also plans to upgrade drive-thrus and Playlands.
Dave Howse, McDonald’s New Zealand managing director, said, “Investing in new McDonald’s restaurants and refurbishments is an important part of our efforts to give our customers the best possible dining experience. We’re planning to open three new restaurants a year for the next five years, and are looking for sites that align with our criteria.”
McDonald’s hopes to be able to use spaces that can accommodate a dual-lane drive-thru, as well as being freestanding. “McDonald’s consistently works with franchisees to bring our restaurants in line with the latest innovations and our highest standards of convenience and customer experience. The dual-lane drive-thru, for example, helps us to take orders faster to customers get their food quicker, which is why the sites we select for new restaurants must allow us to offer this service.”
Last year, McDonald’s New Zealand invested $20 million into five new restaurants. McDonald’s currently employs around 10,000 people in restaurants around the country.
