An Ashby fast-food restaurant is set to get a brand new look with a major digital makeover – creating 25 to 30 jobs in the process.
The McDonald’s restaurant, in Lountside, is hoping to improve its customer experience with its digital changes following significant investment from franchisee Sarah McLean.
This will include four self-order kiosks which it is hoped will improve the speed and ease of ordering by allowing customers to browse the menu, look at nutritional information and personalise their meals, giving people more time to consider their food and drink choices.
Bosses said that the future changes have been designed with changing customer needs in mind, and the dedicated dining room hosts will ensure the process is as quick and easy as possible.
Table service will also be introduced to take the stress out of finding somewhere to sit while carrying food, potentially with children, bags and buggies.
In restaurants where table service has been introduced previously bosses said that customer feedback had been positive, with families enjoying the ease of not having to leave children unattended while queuing, and many people feeling it means they have more time to chat with friends and family.
Ms McLean, who began her career more than 35 years ago, and now runs 14 restaurants across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire, said: “We’re anticipating the changes affecting how customers use the restaurant, with those who used to pop in for a quick bite staying longer to use the tech we have on offer.
“When ordering with the new kiosks customers will have the option to make different food choices, for example, swapping fries for a side salad or adding a fruit bag to their children’s Happy Meal.
“These changes are designed to make our customers’ experience as positive as possible and the new technology benefits everyone – whether that’s providing people with a chance to get to grips with using a tablet in a relaxed environment, or providing mums with a quick and easy way of ordering their food.”
She added that the introduction of these changes will mean that McDonald’s crew will be able to widen their skill set. More will be able to be in front of the counter, serving customers and helping them navigate the new digital menu boards for the first time.
Ms McLean said: “Having already seen customers reacting positively to these changes in my other restaurants, I am excited to hear what my customers in Ashby have to say about the new features.
"In my time as a franchisee, I have seen the McDonald’s experience transform greatly. Our restaurants are a great leveller and are able to suit the needs of people from any background who want to come in, grab a bite to eat or drink and enjoy the atmosphere these changes have created.
“I am dedicated to investing in the local area and in the development of my employees. That’s why I’m improving the crew room to provide them with the same facilities that our customers enjoy and have an area to train and develop to keep improving the service we offer.
"I’m confident that this new look at restaurant Lountside will be a welcome addition to the area and I’m looking forward to welcoming our customers in to show off the changes.”
If this proves a success, other changes for the future could include an option to customise the classic burgers.
This renovation programme is the company’s biggest and most ambitious restaurant re-imaging programme in its history.
