Teenagers are currently arriving outside a boarded up McDonald’s in Chester city centre looking momentarily lost and confused.
But they need not worry as the Foregate Street outlet is simply undergoing a month-long refurbishment.
It reopens on Tuesday, August 4, when customers will be able to enjoy a new decor plus an enhanced customer experience.
This will include being able to play games and browse the internet on interactive tablets while enjoying their food.
A customer leaflet explains: “When we re-open, every burger, wrap or sandwich you order will be freshly prepared for you. There will be a new way to order at our kiosks or you can order at the counter as usual.
“There will also be new interactive tablets for you to play games and browse online while you enjoy your food.”
The investment is thanks to local franchisee Jeanette Roe who started her career more than 33 years ago and now runs four McDonald’s restaurants across Chester which contribute £4 million to the local economy and employ more than 400 people.
She said: “We’re thrilled with the transformation because we’re committed to offering our customers more choice and fast service.
“Technology has a huge role to play in all walks of life, including our customers’ eating out experience, so the new tech we’ve introduced recognises the way people live their lives today.
“The response to the changes from my team has been very positive and they are enjoying the new ways of working.
“To ensure we continue to create an outstanding customer experience, I am also continuing to invest in my people through our industry-leading training programmes and career opportunities. ”
A spokeswoman said stores across the country were being treated to a ‘high tech make-over’ but the Foregate Street was among the first in this area.
Self-serve touch-screen kiosks will feature in the new look store.
Use the screen to access the menu, check out nutritional information, place your order and pay by card or contactless. You are then given a receipt with an order number and which you take to the collection point.
Paul Pomroy, CEO McDonald’s UK, said: “We are confident that the investment we are making will bring new and exciting changes to McDonald’s in Chester and across the rest of the UK. We’ve listened to customer feedback and know we need to modernise further in order to move the McDonald’s experience on, and remain relevant to the lives of the 3 million customers that we serve daily. Our converted restaurants will deliver a fast and easy experience, aided by digital and traditional ordering points ensuring we continue to be enjoyed by our customers.”
McDonald’s says the future could see “even more exciting features” introduced if current trials prove successful. These include the option for people to customise their burgers as well as ordering and paying by smartphone. A small number of restaurants will also pilot ‘table service’. Customers in some restaurants will also be able to enjoy interactive table-tops games whilst they share a meal and charge their smartphones using wireless charging devices.
Other McDonald’s restaurants in the Chester area are at The Forum, Northgate Street; the 24-hour Drive Thru in Old Seals Way, Chester Retail Park; Broughton Shopping Park and Cheshire Oaks.
Details about opening times and facilities are available online by visiting: www.mcdonalds.co.uk/ukhome.html
