Fast-food chain McDonalds is to roll out table service to all its 1,250 UK stores in a bid to stave off competition from gourmet burger restaurants, the company has announced.
Customers will be able to select items from its current menu, and customise meals exactly to their taste, before paying for orders and taking a seat while waiting staff deliver food directly to their table.
While table service had been trialled at a select number of McDonalds, the company has now confirmed it will be rolled out to all its UK stores by the end of October.
Traditional ordering at the counter, and through the drive-thru, will run alongside the new concept.
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In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, UK managing director Paul Pomroy spoke of the challenges quick-service restaurants like GBK and Nandos present.
And he said: “In the next three years, we will transform the look and feel of our restaurants again. Our shopping basket may be fairly narrow but it’s all high quality.”
With diners able to customise their burgers and chicken sandwiches with various toppings including BBQ sauce, guacamole, grilled mushrooms, and the like – the experience will begin to echo that of more expensive burger chains.
And in the US, a small trial of table service has just begun, mirroring the experience UK customers will enjoy from this October.
Here’s how it works…
Approach The Big iPad
To begin, customers approach a ‘big iPad’ emblazoned with menu options, and which includes a card chip and pin reader.
Choose Items To Suit Your Taste
Staff are on hand to help customers use the new devices, which will include the full McDonalds menu, but also include the option to customise classics like the Big Mac. Hold the gherkin, or extra mustard – you decide.
Collect A Buzzer
An electronic puck is then issued to your order, and you’re encouraged to take a seat and kick back while it’s prepared in the kitchen.
Waiting Staff Deliver The Food
Waiting staff will deliver your food once its ready, and the flashing electronic puck will let them know where you are.
And It’s Exactly How You Ordered
Naked, without the bun. Without the salad. Hold the mayo. Your food order will be exactly how you want it.
Date: August 30, 2015