McDonald’s reveals big plans to widen reach in UK and Ireland

Fast food chain McDonald’s plans to create some 24,000 new jobs in the UK and Ireland over the next four years, with the launch of more than 200 new restaurants. 

This is part of what the company calls “a bold new expansion plan” worth around £1bn (€1.18bn). It is McDonald’s biggest expansion drive in the region in more than two decades and is being undertaken because of the recent demand for takeaways.

The investment will be borne in part by McDonald’s franchisees, who operate and own around 80% of McDonald’s outlets in the UK currently. 

Drive-to and high-street upgrades rolled out

The company earlier revealed it planned to open around 10,000 new restaurants across the world by 2027.

The current expansion plan will try out innovative business models such as “drive to” restaurants and smaller outlets. It will also concentrate more on high street restaurants. It will also focus on upgrading and revamping some existing restaurants. 

At present, McDonald’s has about 1,435 outlets across the UK, having launched 41 new outlets last year, which was the most in around 20 years. 

Alistair Macrow, the chief executive officer (CEO) of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, said in a press release: “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. Whether that’s continuing to provide the best value for our customers, investing in our restaurants, supporting our suppliers across the UK or launching new initiatives for young people where our communities need them most.”

McDonald’s added billions to UK economy in 2023

McDonald’s spent more than £2bn (€2.36bn) with UK farmers and suppliers last year, also accounting for approximately 209,475 jobs across the country. 

Not only that, but the chain also contributed to regional economies in 2023, according to McDonald’s special 50th anniversary report entitled: McDonald’s at 50. 

The chain revealed it added £832.6m(€980.43m) to the London economy last year, with Scotland receiving a contribution of £457.2m (€538.26m) and Wales gaining £369.5m (€435.01m). Northern Ireland saw a contribution of  £332.0m (€390.75m). 

However, McDonald’s recently saw its first worldwide drop in sales in the second quarter of the year, mainly because of lagging Chinese demand.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the subsequent boycotting of several Western food and beverage brands, including McDonald’s, in numerous Middle Eastern countries has also had an impact on sales.