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Tag: McDonalds

  • McDonald’s Malaysia Unveils $254M Expansion: 100 New Restaurants, Digital Boost, and 10,000 Jobs on the Horizon

    McDonald’s Malaysia Unveils $254M Expansion: 100 New Restaurants, Digital Boost, and 10,000 Jobs on the Horizon

    McDonald’s Malaysia has announced an aggressive expansion plan that involves an investment of RM1 billion (approximately $254 million) over the next five years. The investment will be used to open 100 new outlets, revamp existing restaurants, and enhance the company’s digital capabilities.

    Allocation of Funds and Expansion Strategy

    Datuk Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director and Local Operating Partner, shared that a majority of the investment, around 60%, will be used for the launch of new restaurants. 20% of the funds will be directed towards the modernization of over 150 existing branches of McDonald’s in Malaysia. The remaining 20% will be invested in technology and digitalization initiatives.

    The expansion plan was revealed during a press conference following the reopening of the first McDonald’s drive-thru outlet in the country, located at Jalan Pahang, Titiwangsa. Jaafar expressed the company’s intention to broaden its reach in Sabah, Sarawak, and throughout Peninsular Malaysia, with a specific focus on areas with high demand and those popular among tourists.

    Jaafar explained, “There is considerable growth potential in Sabah and Sarawak, as these regions have many towns that are yet to house a McDonald’s outlet. We also aim to expand in the Klang Valley and in other high-growth locations within Peninsular Malaysia.”

    Building a Strong Franchise Network

    Additionally, McDonald’s Malaysia intends to enhance its franchise network. Currently, 11 franchisees nationwide operate 25 outlets. The goal is to establish between 70 and 100 restaurants within the next five to ten years.

    Jaafar underscored the promising return on investment in franchising. “A substantial investment of about MYR5 million to MYR7 million is needed per restaurant. The payback period is typically three to five years, indicating a healthy return,” he stated.

    Job Creation and Operational Efficiency

    This ambitious expansion is expected to generate over 10,000 new job opportunities for locals, in line with McDonald’s Malaysia’s hiring policy of employing only local workers.

    Despite a challenging business environment, the quick-service restaurant chain has already witnessed a 26% year-on-year growth in 2025, operating more than 370 outlets across the country.

    Jaafar stressed the importance of operational efficiency to maintain competitive menu prices. “In 2025, our menu price increase was about half of Malaysia’s inflation rate. This was due to continuous improvements in supply chain efficiency and restaurant operations,” he elaborated.

    After being a part of the Malaysian landscape for 43 years, McDonald’s Malaysia continues to contribute towards nation-building. The company aims to do so by creating jobs, providing skills training, supporting local suppliers, and getting involved in community activities.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the investment plan of McDonald’s Malaysia?
    McDonald’s Malaysia plans to invest RM1 billion over the next five years to open 100 new restaurants, upgrade existing outlets, and enhance its digital capabilities.

    How does McDonald’s Malaysia plan to allocate the investment funds?
    60% of the funds will be used to open new restaurants, 20% will be allocated towards the modernization of existing branches, and the remaining 20% will be invested in technology and digitalization initiatives.

    What is McDonald’s Malaysia’s franchising plan?
    McDonald’s Malaysia aims to expand its franchise network from the current 25 outlets run by 11 franchisees nationwide to between 70 and 100 restaurants over the next five to ten years.

  • End of an Era: Iconic McDonald’s Outlet at Tampines Mall Singapore Closes After 30 Years

    End of an Era: Iconic McDonald’s Outlet at Tampines Mall Singapore Closes After 30 Years

    One of McDonald’s long-standing outlets in Tampines Mall, Singapore, is set to close its doors on March 9. The fast-food restaurant has been a staple of the mall for over three decades, making its impending closure a significant moment for both the company and the many customers it has served over the years.

    The Closure Announcement

    The fast-food giant’s intended closure was announced via a store notice, which was then shared on social media on Tuesday. The notice revealed that the restaurant’s final day of operation would be March 8. While no specific reason was provided for the closure, the message expressed gratitude to the customers for their continued support through the years.

    The notice also assured patrons that while this particular outlet may be closing, the restaurant would be thrilled to serve them at their nearest branches. The Tampines Central and Tampines Hub were suggested as alternative locations for customers to visit.

    A Staple at Tampines Mall

    The McDonald’s outlet has been an integral part of Tampines Mall since its inception in November 1995. As one of the mall’s original tenants, its closure marks the end of an era. The mall, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025, has seen many businesses come and go, but McDonald’s has remained a constant presence.

    The closure announcement has elicited feelings of nostalgia and sadness among patrons, many of whom consider the outlet to be an iconic part of the mall. Its strategic location near the entrance of the shopping complex means that for many, a trip to the mall was synonymous with passing by the McDonald’s store.

    Changes in Singapore’s Food Scene

    McDonald’s announcement follows a series of closures in Singapore’s food and beverage sector. In 2025 alone, 2,431 outlets were shut down in the first 10 months. The closures spanned a range of eateries, from Michelin-starred restaurants to long-standing heritage dining venues.

    In addition to the food scene, the retail sector has also seen significant changes. Isetan, a Japanese department store that had been operating in the mall for several decades, closed its outlet four months prior to McDonald’s announcement. The store cited evolving market conditions as the reason behind its departure.

    Questions & Answers

    Why is the McDonald’s outlet in Tampines Mall closing?
    While no specific reason was given for the closure, it comes amid a wave of business closures across Singapore’s food and drink sector.

    When was the last day of operation for the McDonald’s outlet in Tampines Mall?
    The outlet’s final day of operation was slated for March 8.

    Are there other McDonald’s outlets nearby where customers can go?
    Yes, the notice mentioned that customers could visit the McDonald’s branches at Tampines Central and Tampines Hub.

  • McDonald’s Vietnam Amplifies Expansion Strategy: Aiming for 100 Stores in Three Years

    McDonald’s Vietnam Amplifies Expansion Strategy: Aiming for 100 Stores in Three Years

    McDonald’s Vietnam is reigniting its goal of expanding its presence in the country to 100 outlets within three years. This ambitious plan comes after the fast-food giant fell well short of its target, with only 35 locations in 2024 and 39 this current year.

    Revamping the Expansion Strategy

    The Director of Development at McDonald’s Vietnam, Dan Ta, revealed a number of strategies the company is considering to revamp its image, pricing, and expansion strategy. Emphasizing a shift towards a wider consumer base, he said, “Our brand is currently perceived as a premium establishment, but we want to be able to serve a wider range of customers.”

    Targeting Key Cities for Expansion

    McDonald’s is setting its sights on several key cities for growth, including Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, Da Lat, and Vung Tau, building on its existing presence in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Phu Quoc, in particular, has emerged as a significant focus for expansion, given its new airline launch and the upcoming hosting of the Apec Summit next year.

    Challenges Ahead

    However, the road to McDonald’s expansion in Vietnam may be fraught with challenges. The popularity of local staples such as bánh mì, cheaper and deeply rooted in the eating habits of Vietnamese consumers, poses a significant challenge.

    Moreover, the competitive landscape of the Vietnamese fast-food market also presents a hurdle. According to recent data, some of the top fast-food chains in the country, include Lotteria, with 222 outlets, Jollibee, with 213 outlets, and KFC, with 172 outlets.

    Ralf Matthaes, CEO of IFM Research, located in Ho Chi Minh City, pointed out that McDonald’s Vietnam has not localized its offerings as deeply as some competitors. He stated, “Vietnamese people aren’t typically burger eaters. Essentially, a Big Mac is still a Big Mac – you can’t change that.”

    Questions & Answers

    What is McDonald’s Vietnam’s expansion goal?
    McDonald’s Vietnam aims to expand its presence in the country to 100 outlets within three years.

    What challenges does McDonald’s face in its expansion in Vietnam?
    McDonald’s faces challenges in its expansion in Vietnam due to the popularity of local staples such as bánh mì and a highly competitive fast-food market.

    What cities are targeted in McDonald’s Vietnam expansion plan?
    McDonald’s Vietnam is targeting expansion in several key cities, including Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, Da Lat, and Vung Tau, in addition to its existing presence in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh.

  • “McDonald’s Records Sweeping Sales Surge Globally Amidst Challenging Environment”

    “McDonald’s Records Sweeping Sales Surge Globally Amidst Challenging Environment”

    McDonald’s has recorded another quarter of increasing sales, largely credited to the firm’s emphasis on providing value. This success has been observed across all markets.

    Global and Domestic Sales Growth

    Global sales, comparable to the previous year, rose by 3.6% for the third quarter, which concluded on September 30. This growth succeeds a 2nd quarter increase of 3.8%.

    In the United States, sales showed continued positive progress, with a boost of 2.4%, mainly driven by check growth. International markets also performed well, resulting in a 4.3% improvement. Germany and Australia were notably strong performers in this segment.

    Performance of Licensed Markets and Overall Sales

    Sales in international developmental licensed markets demonstrated robust growth, with a rise of 4.7%. This trend was evident across all geographical regions, with Japan leading the pack.

    For the quarter, global system-wide sales exceeded $36 billion, showing an 8% increase on a reported basis and a 6% rise in constant currency.

    Management Commentary

    McDonald’s Chairman and CEO, Chris Kempczinski, commented that the company managed to yield “sustainable growth” even amidst challenging circumstances. He acknowledged that their focus on delivering everyday value and affordability, menu innovation, and effective marketing strategies continues to draw customers.

    Net Income

    In terms of net income, the fast-food giant saw an increase of 1% to $2.27 billion.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the increase in McDonald’s global comparable sales for the third quarter?
    The increase was 3.6% year-on-year.

    Which markets showed notable improvement in the international operated segment?
    Germany and Australia showed significant improvement in this segment.

    What was McDonald’s net income for the reported quarter?
    The company’s net income for the quarter was $2.27 billion, a 1% increase.

  • Mcdonald’s To Boost Ai Investment By 2027, Eyes India As Data Governance Hub

    Mcdonald’s To Boost Ai Investment By 2027, Eyes India As Data Governance Hub

    McDonald’s, the renowned fast-food chain, has announced its intention to significantly increase its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2027, foreseeing India as a principal center for data governance, engineering, and platform architecture. The news was delivered by Deshant Kaila, McDonald’s Head of Global Business Services Operations, last Friday.

    India as a Key Player

    McDonald’s, which made its foray into India in 1996, has a wide network of restaurants across the nation. The company recently opened a global office in the southern city of Hyderabad, which they plan to expand into their largest international office outside of the United States.

    While the company is still in the early phases of this AI-focused initiative, the exact amount of intended investment remains undisclosed. However, Kaila has given some insights into how McDonald’s is utilizing AI technologies to enhance its operations and services.

    Artificial Intelligence in Operations

    At present, McDonald’s is leveraging AI to corroborate orders at 400 of its restaurants, mitigating errors before orders reach customers. The company has set ambitious plans to extend this AI-driven order verification system to 40,000 of its locations worldwide by 2027, as revealed by Durga Prakash, Head of Technology (Global Offices).

    Moreover, AI tools are being employed by McDonald’s to project sales, determine pricing, and evaluate product performance. The fast-food chain is also developing a personalized app that customers can use globally. As per Kaila, the strategic push in India will be primarily focused on building its AI team, with more investment directed towards technology and tools rather than personnel.

    Expansion of Global Offices

    McDonald’s is also considering establishing another global office in Poland, similar to the ones in India and Mexico. Earlier this year, it was reported that the company would inaugurate a global capability center in Hyderabad, India, which is expected to employ about 2000 individuals.

    India’s global capability centers, formerly cost-effective outsourcing hubs for global businesses, have evolved and now provide support to their parent organizations across diverse areas, including operations, finance, research, and development.

    Questions & Answers

    What is McDonald’s strategy for AI investment by 2027?

    McDonald’s plans to significantly increase its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2027. The company aims to utilize AI to improve operations, predict sales, set pricing, and evaluate product performance.

    How does McDonald’s plan to utilize AI in its operations?

    The fast-food chain is currently using AI to verify orders at certain locations to prevent errors before handing them over to customers. It is also using AI tools for sales forecasting, pricing decisions, and product performance assessments.

    Why is India a focus in McDonald’s AI strategy?

    India is a key focus in McDonald’s AI strategy due to its potential as a hub for data governance, engineering, and platform architecture. In addition, the company has recently opened a global office in Hyderabad, India, with plans to make it the largest outside the U.S.

  • McDonald’s to sell Hong Kong retail spaces valued at US$153 million

    McDonald’s to sell Hong Kong retail spaces valued at US$153 million

    Fast-food giant McDonald’s has announced plans to sell eight top-tier retail properties in Hong Kong, collectively estimated to be worth HK$1.2 billion (US$152.89 million). Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), appointed as the exclusive agent for the sale, reported the news earlier this week.

    The properties will be sold via public tender, with the process scheduled to conclude on September 16. Buyers will have the flexibility to purchase the properties either separately or as a comprehensive portfolio. All the properties come with enduring leases with McDonald’s, which adds to their appeal.

    Previously, there had been reports that McDonald’s was considering selling all of its 23 stores in Hong Kong, the total market value of which is roughly HK$3 billion (US$382 million). The current sale of eight stores represents the first phase of this broader asset disposal strategy.

    This move is part of McDonald’s larger efforts to refine its asset base in the region. In 2017, McDonald’s sold its 20-year master franchise rights for China and Hong Kong to a consortium led by Citic Group and private equity firm Carlyle, while maintaining ownership of its real estate portfolio.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the estimated market value of the eight Hong Kong properties that McDonald’s plans to sell?
    The total market value of the eight properties is estimated to be around HK$1.2 billion (US$152.89 million).

    How will the sale of these properties be conducted?
    The sale will occur via public tender and is scheduled to conclude on September 16.

    What is McDonald’s broader strategy for its assets in the region?
    This sale is part of McDonald’s larger efforts to optimize its regional asset base. The company previously sold its 20-year master franchise rights for China and Hong Kong to a consortium, while retaining ownership of its real estate portfolio.

  • Ex McDonald’s Korea CEO to take leading role in Homeplus

    Ex McDonald’s Korea CEO to take leading role in Homeplus

    South Korean supermarket chain Homeplus has appointed former CEO of McDonald’s Korea Cho Ju-yeon as its new chief marketing officer, in an executive reshuffle announced on Thursday.

    Cho made headlines in 2016 when she became the first female CEO at the South Korean unit of the fast-food restaurant.

    Hwang Jeong-wook, who formerly served as the chief financial officer at the Korean unit of AstraZeneca, will become the new chief financial officer at Homeplus.

    The move comes as the company seeks to strengthen professionalism and product sourcing capabilities by hiring new executives externally and separating the department in charge of products into two, the supermarket chain said.

    One team, led by the company‘s executive Kim Woong, will focus on fresh food, bakeries, home appliances and product support and safety. The other team, which will be led by newly appointed executive Oh Jae-yong, will focus on groceries, private label products and fashion and interior design products.

    The decision follows the appointment of current CEO Lee Jea-hoon earlier this year.

    “Through the reorganization, we want to present a clear reason why customers want to visit Homeplus,” Lee said in a statement.

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  • The enormous cost of McDonald’s Russian exit

    The enormous cost of McDonald’s Russian exit

    McDonald’s became the symbol of glasnost in action 30 years ago when it opened its first restaurant in Moscow. But after temporarily shutting down more than 800 restaurants following the invasion of Ukraine, McDonald’s has decided to leave Russia altogether.

    The burger chain will sell its Russia business, saying the “humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and the precipitating unpredictable operating environment, have led McDonald’s to conclude that continued ownership of the business in Russia is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonald’s values.”
    In March, shortly after the war began, McDonald’s followed other Western companies and temporarily shut down its restaurants in Russia.
    Once the sale is finalized, the Russian restaurants will be “de-Arched,” meaning the locations will no longer be allowed to use the McDonald’s name, logo or menu. McDonald’s said its employees will still be paid until the transaction closes and that “employees have future employment with any potential buyer.”
    CEO Chris Kempczinski said he’s proud of the more than 60,000 workers employed in Russia and said the decision was “extremely difficult.”
    “However, we have a commitment to our global community and must remain steadfast in our values. And our commitment to our values means that we can no longer keep the Arches shining there,” he said.
    The decision brings to a remarkable end McDonald’s three-decade relationship with Russia. McDonald’s opened the doors of its first restaurant in Moscow on January 31, 1990. More than 30,000 were served and the Pushkin Square location had to stay open hours later than planned because of the crowds.
    Its arrival in Moscow was about more than just Big Macs and fries, noted Darra Goldstein, a Russia expert at Williams College. It was the most prominent example of Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbechev’s attempt to open up his crumbling country to the outside world.
    “There was a really visible crack in the Iron Curtain,” she previously said. “It was very symbolic about the changes that were taking place.” About two years later, the Soviet Union would collapse.
    McDonald’s exit “represents a new isolationism in Russia, which must now look inward for investment and consumer brand development,” said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData said in a note Monday. He added that other Western brands take “principled stance on the concepts of freedom and democracy” and revisit their businesses in Russia.
    McDonald’s will take a significant write-off from exiting Russia — between $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion. Shares were barely changed in early trading.
    “The fact that McDonald’s owns most of its restaurants in Russia means there is an asset rich business to sell,” said Saunders. “However, given the circumstances of the sale, the financial challenges faced by potential Russian buyers, and the fact that McDonald’s will not license its brand name or identity, it is unlikely the sale price will be anywhere near the pre-invasion book value of the business.”
    In its most recent earnings report, McDonald’s said closing its restaurants in Russia had cost it $127 million last quarter. Nearly $27 million came from staff costs, payments for leases and supplies. The other $100 million was from food and other items it will have to dump.
    McDonald’s had 847 restaurants in Russia at the close of last year, according to an investor document. Together with another 108 in Ukraine, they accounted for 9% of the company’s revenue in 2021.
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  • McDonald’s faces massive court claim over ‘shameful’ worker treatment

    McDonald’s faces massive court claim over ‘shameful’ worker treatment

    Trade union SDA has lodged a multimillion claim in the Federal Court against McDonald’s Australia seeking compensation for about 900 current and former employees the union alleges have been denied paid rest breaks and misled about their rights.

    The action covers more than 110 restaurants across Australia directly owned and operated by the fast-food company and follows eight previous Federal Court claims lodged by the SDA against McDonald’s franchise operators.

    The claim, lodged in South Australia, is currently on behalf of 338 current and former McDonald’s staff employed across 92 restaurants, but the union is actively talking to others and has opened a website to recruit people who have worked for the company during the past six years, to join the action.

    SDA national secretary, Gerard Dwyer describes the case as the biggest of its kind in Australian history, and “a groundbreaking moment for some of the most vulnerable workers across the country”.

    “The fact that one of the largest employers of young Australians (on junior rates of pay) has been deliberately and systematically denying teenagers their breaks is astonishing. It takes a lot of courage to openly stand up and speak out against their employer and the SDA is proud to stand with them in ensuring these workers get what they’re owed.”

    He said the action has the potential to impact thousands of workers Australia-wide and lead to millions of dollars of compensation payments if successful.

    The union wants affected workers to be paid compensation for working through their breaks and for the company to be penalised by the court for breaching the Fair Work Act.

    It alleges that along with concealing employees’ meal break entitlements, many store managers told workers they could have a free soft drink in lieu of a paid rest break and that they didn’t receive the breaks as they could go to the toilet or have a drink whenever they needed to. The SDA says the law provides for a 10-minute break for any staff member who works a shift of four hours or more.

    “McDonald’s have been feeding crew members a cock and bull story about their break entitlements for too long,” said SDA South Australian branch secretary, Josh Peak.

    “Fast food restaurants are busy, hot and the work is exhausting – it’s shameful to think young workers have been denied their rightful breaks and told they don’t exist. Paid rest and drink breaks aren’t optional, they’re a right for all fast-food workers,” he said.

    “It shouldn’t have to take nine Federal Court claims for McDonald’s to clean up their act.”

  • McDonald’s Yagoona store reopens, 50 years since first restaurant unveiled

    McDonald’s Yagoona store reopens, 50 years since first restaurant unveiled

    McDonald’s is stepping back in time and reopening Australia’s first restaurant in Yagoona. Celebrating 50 years since the very first Macca’s opened its doors in December 1971, the new McDonald’s Yagoona will open on Friday and adopt its original 1970s prices. From 11 am to 1 pm on opening day the humble hamburger will be just 20 cents each, with a limit of four per customer, so you’ll need to get in quick to take advantage of the deal.

    Celebrating 50 years since the very first Macca’s opened its doors in December 1971, the new McDonald’s Yagoona will open on Friday and adopt its original 1970s prices

    The interior of the restaurant will reflect the original décor from half a century ago with a historic timeline on the wall, images of the 1971 restaurant, and a Happy Meal display with iconic toys from across the years.

    ‘We are incredibly proud to reopen McDonald’s Yagoona and recognize its important part of our history,’ Chief Executive Officer for McDonald’s Australia Andrew Gregory said.

    ‘Everything our customers know and love about McDonald’s Australia started at Yagoona from Happy Meals and birthday parties to first jobs and community contribution.

    The interior of the restaurant will reflect the original décor from half a century ago with a historic timeline on the wall, images of the 1971 restaurant, and a Happy Meal display with iconic toys from across the years

    ‘The reopening celebrates 50 years of supporting our customers, people, and communities in Australia. We look forward to once again serving the local community and welcoming back customers from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.’

    The new restaurant will operate 24 hours a day and feature a McCafé, dual-lane drive-thru, dedicated delivery partner room, and PlayPlace.

    In addition to the 20 cent hamburger, McDonald’s Yagoona will also sell $1 cheeseburgers and $2 coffee from December 17 to January 7 as part of a special promotion for customers.

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  • McDonald’s implements global inclusive workplace initiative

    McDonald’s implements global inclusive workplace initiative

    McDonald’s has unveiled an initiative to foster safe and inclusive workplace it calls Global Brand Standards.

    The policy will focus on four main areas: harassment, discrimination, and retaliation prevention; workplace violence prevention; restaurant employee feedback; and health and safety. The company says the standards have been set to further ensure physical and psychological safety for its employees and customers.

    “There are no shortcuts to ensuring that people feel safe, respected, and included at a McDonald’s restaurant,” said Chris Kempczinski, president and CEO of McDonald’s. “Our new Global Brand Standards reinforce our commitment to living our values such that at every interaction, everyone is welcome, comfortable and safe.”

    These standards will be implemented across 39,000 McDonald’s restaurants in more than 100 countries. From January, restaurants will be assessed and held accountable in accordance with the applicable McDonald’s market’s business evaluation processes. Training and reporting mechanisms will be established.

    McDonald’s said it will work closely with independent and third-party experts to support the implementation of the standards for franchisees.

    “McDonald’s has a responsibility and an opportunity to use our tremendous scale to drive change globally,” said Reto Egger, speaker group chair of the European Franchisee Leadership Group (EFLG) and franchise owner.

    “These refreshed standards and heightened measures of accountability are central to our culture, our business goals and the need in our society to foster more respect, safety, and inclusion.”

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  • McDonald’s logo temporary changed to promote social distancing

    McDonald’s logo temporary changed to promote social distancing

    International fast-food chain McDonald’s logo has been altered in some global markets to emphasize the importance of social distancing during the coronavirus crisis.

    The popular restaurant chain is largely closed for dine-in business in certain hard-hit areas globally but remains open for delivery or takeout. Venues have been closed completely in the UK and Ireland, while only 5 percent of outlets in the US are now closing dining spaces.

    The new McDonald’s logo campaign was unveiled in Brazil, with the golden arches represented in the brand logo separated to remind patrons of the need to keep a distance from each other during the course of the pandemic. The campaign was soon taken up in India.

    “Our customers, employees and communities are counting on us now more than ever to provide them the meaningful support, delicious food and good-paying jobs,” said McDonald’s US president Joe Erlinger.

    A statement from the firm read: “Guidelines have been shared with franchisees and restaurant general managers to support crew in adhering to social distancing best practices while on the job. This includes, among other items, updating configuration of crew on shift and following contactless operations procedures, etc”.

    https://youtu.be/BFgW4S6zOQU

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  • McDonald’s UK to scrap plastic Happy Meal toys

    McDonald’s UK to scrap plastic Happy Meal toys

    McDonald’s UK is ditching its plastic Happy Meal toys in favor of more sustainably produced alternatives in its stores.

    In a move to reduce the firm’s plastic waste by more than 3000 tons, from May onwards the firm will phase out the playthings it provides with its children’s meals and instead offer books, stuffed items or paper-based toys.

    Simultaneously, the restaurant chain will be collecting plastic toys back in its UK and Ireland restaurants to be recycled into play equipment for its children’s charities.

    McDonald’s UK has already been providing books as an option with its Happy Meals for several years under its Happy Reader program.

    “We care passionately about the environment and are committed to reducing plastic across our business,” said McDonald’s UK marketing chief Gareth Helm.

    “Families have high expectations of us and we’re working as hard as we can to give them the confidence that their Happy Meal is as sustainable as possible.”

  • McDonald’s to buy AI voice-technology company Apprente

    McDonald’s to buy AI voice-technology company Apprente

    Fast-food restaurant giant McDonald’s is underscoring its increasing focus on technology by acquiring AI voice-technology company Apprente.

    The company says the investment will expand its presence in the Bay Area technology sector and allow the company to integrate new teams with advanced technology skillsets into its business.

    Apprente is described as an “early-stage leader” in voice-based conversational technology.

    “The agreement marks another bold step in advancing employee and customer-facing innovations while further strengthening McDonald’s technology capabilities,” the company said in a statement.

    The Apprente team will be the founding member of a new, integrated, internal group within McDonald’s Global Technology team called McD Tech Labs. McDonald’s says it expects to grow its presence in Silicon Valley with the hiring of additional engineers, data scientists and other advanced technology experts to join McD Tech Labs to meet future business needs and support deployment.

    Before signing the deal, McDonald’s extensively trialled Apprente’s solutions in test restaurants, along with evaluating products from other companies in the voice-technology space.

    Apprente was founded in 2017 in Mountain View, California, to create voice-based platforms for complex, multilingual, multi-accent and multi-item conversational ordering.

    “In McDonald’s restaurants, this technology is expected to allow for faster, simpler and more accurate order taking at the Drive Thru with future potential to incorporate into mobile ordering and kiosks,” the company said.

    “Building our technology infrastructure and digital capabilities are fundamental to our Velocity Growth Plan and enable us to meet rising expectations from our customers, while making it simpler and even more enjoyable for crew members to serve guests,” said Steve Easterbrook, president and CEO at McDonald’s Corporation.

    “Apprente’s gifted team, and the technology they have developed, will form McD Tech Labs, a new group integrated in our global technology team that will take our culture of innovation one step further.”

    Dr Itamar Arel, co-founder of Apprente and VP of McD Tech Labs, said it was quite clear from various engagements that McDonald’s is leading the industry with technology.

    “Apprente was borne out of an opportunity to use technology to solve challenging real-world problems and we’re thrilled to now apply this to creating personalised experiences for customers and crew.”

    Previously, McDonald’s acquired Dynamic Yield, a leader in personalisation and decision-logic technology, which is now deployed in more than 8000 US restaurants and will be integrated into nearly all drive-thru restaurants in the US and Australia by the end of this year. McDonald’s will use the decision technology to provide a more personalised customer experience by varying outdoor digital Drive Thru menu displays to show food based on time of day, weather, current restaurant traffic and trending menu items. The decision technology can also instantly suggest and display additional items to a customer’s order based on their current selections.

    Earlier this year, McDonald’s also invested in Plexure, a mobile app vendor, to further advance the development of McDonald’s Global Mobile App.

  • Supermodel Gigi Hadid Named for McDonald’s role

    Supermodel Gigi Hadid Named for McDonald’s role

    Supermodel Gigi Hadid is facing criticism over her recent promotional Instagram post for McDonald’s.

    A photo of Hadid eating McDonald’s French fries at the Coachella music festival provoked a considerable backlash in the comments feed, with many observers taking issue with her partnership with a fast-food chain considered by many to be synonymous with obesity and poor health, considering her Instagram account is followed by 47 million people.

    Hadid’s photo caption, captioned “Pre festival with @mcdonalds yesterday fed & hydrated, thanks friends!” caused many to question her wisdom in choosing sponsors.

    One popular comment liked by more than 3600 people read “I really do not understand why you would promote McDonalds. In fact, it utterly baffles me why an intelligent, well informed and influential person like yourself would what to be affiliated with such a company. Surely it can’t be for the money? There are so many other ways to be ‘fed and hydrated.’”

    The comments have been said to reveal McDonald’s still has significant PR hurdles to overcome regarding the nutritional content of its offering, despite recent moves to become seen as a “modern, progressive” burger chain.

    As one comment put it, “Awful partnership Gigi. McDonald’s is poison.”