A £2 million investment in two McDonald’s restaurants will create 20 new jobs and deliver major refurbishments.
The significant cash injection will see premises at Glengormley and Abbey Centre upgraded to make ordering and collection more straightforward, improving customer experience, as well as increasing capacity for the growing mix of dine-in, takeaway, app, delivery and courier orders.
McDonald’s Glengormley reopened yesterday [22 September], following the first phase of the investment.
Abbey Centre will then undergo a planned renovation, with its reopening scheduled for November.
Together, the two north Belfast restaurants already employ 220 people, with the 20 additional roles being created across both sites following the upgrades.
The refurbishments mean customers will find brighter, more comfortable dining areas, with updated decor, seating and lighting.
Digital kiosks and menu boards have also been improved, while the new layout is intended to make ordering and collection more straightforward.
A redesigned front counter will provide faster collection for kiosk, app and delivery orders.
Separate collection areas for dine-in, takeaway, delivery and courier orders will help reduce congestion during busy periods and improve the flow of customers through the restaurants.
The investment extends beyond the public areas to the reconfiguration of both kitchens, including new equipment and layouts designed to improve speed and accuracy.
Crew facilities and back-of-house areas have also been upgraded, giving the teams a better working environment and helping the restaurants operate more efficiently.
Glengormley and Abbey Centre are both owned by local McDonald’s Franchisee Des Lamph, who has operated McDonald’s restaurants for more than 30 years.
His Operations Manager Andrea Morrison said the investment underlined a long-term commitment to the local area.
“This is a substantial investment in two busy north Belfast restaurants and in the 220 people who work across them,” she said.
“Customers will see a real difference in the dining areas, but the work has also focused on how the restaurants operate day to day.
“The new kitchens, collection points and back-of-house facilities will help our teams serve customers more quickly and more accurately, whatever way they choose to order.
“Glengormley has now reopened and is welcoming customers back following the refurbishment, while the new-look Abbey Centre restaurant will be up and running again in November.
“Creating 20 new jobs across the two restaurants is another important part of the investment.”
The investment comes in the year McDonald’s marks 35 years in Northern Ireland, with the first local restaurant having opened in 1991.
At present, there are 36 restaurants across the region, owned by nine local independent Franchisees.