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Ashford to get another McDonald's to join those in High Street, Eureka Park, Designer Outlet and Orbital Park

By: Dan Wright dwright@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 12:00, 21 September 2017

McDonald’s bosses say they plan to open another drive-thru in Ashford within the next two years.

The popular fast-food chain, which already has four restaurants in the town, is in talks with developers about where to build the site.

It is not yet known where the restaurant will go but franchisee Paul Crocker says it will be outside the town centre.

The McDonald's drive-through in Orbital Park

“There are other drive-through opportunities we are pursuing with developers,” Mr Crocker said.

“Nothing is concrete, but we are hoping to put in another drive-thru and with all of the development in the town, it does produce opportunities.

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“We are looking at sites all the time, but it does take quite a long while to get things sorted.”

Mr Crocker already runs the McDonald’s in the High Street, Eureka Park and Ashford Designer Outlet.

His fourth restaurant in the town, at Ashford Orbital Park, is the second most popular drive-thru in Britain.

“The location is key to its success, and it is run by some brilliant people,” Mr Crocker said.

Paul Crocker and staff at the McDonald's drive-thru in Orbital Park, Ashford

“Being the second busiest in the country is something to be pleased and proud about.

“The work we have done since taking over the restaurant has really paid off.”

Mr Crocker, who oversaw a £1.5 million revamp of the Orbital restaurant recently, says the site employs 160 staff, with 60% on a full-time basis.

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He is celebrating 20 years since the restaurant opened this year, and said: “The work took nine weeks and it was very expensive and a big investment, but they are very busy.

“Sales are growing and people are coming in bigger numbers.

“We have put 50% more seating in and it is working well.”

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