McDonald's to open 200 new UK sites over the next four years
With a focus on the high street, McDonald’s UK plans to open more than 200 restaurants
As it celebrates 50 years in the UK, McDonald's has announced plans to open over 200 new restaurants in the next four years.
As a part of its biggest expansion plan since 2001, McDonald's is set to invest over £1 billion and create 24,000 jobs.
McDonald's at 50 report
The new ambitions have been revealed as a part of the 'McDonald's at 50' report.
The new restaurants are part of ongoing investment that McDonald’s will make to ensure the business continues to meet evolving customer expectations. The roll out will include testing new restaurant formats, with ‘Drive to’ restaurants recently launched, and additional smaller formats being trialed this year – ensuring every new restaurant meets the needs of the community in which it operates.
The plans will also see a renewed focus on opening high street restaurants, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to supporting successful high streets across the country as town and city centers continue to evolve and respond to a variety of challenges.
Alongside new restaurants, the business will continue to upgrade and reimage more than 1,500 existing restaurants across the UK and Ireland.
Alistair Macrow, CEO, McDonald’s UK&I, said: “We have come a long way since we first opened our doors in Woolwich 50 years ago. We have become an important part of communities across the UK, and I’m delighted that in this milestone year we are able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to growth, and announce the creation of new jobs across the country as we plan to open over 200 new restaurants over the next four years.
“It’s a moment to celebrate, and also to look ahead to what’s next. We’re proud of what we have delivered in the last 50 years and are committed to investing in new opportunities and supporting growth across the UK.”
The report highlighted McDonald's contribution to the UK economy, including nearly £95bn of gross value added spread nationwide. Since 1974, more than £51.56bn has been spent on UK-based suppliers and farmers. However, the restaurant group reported its first global drop in sales since the pandemic in July.