A Big Mac, fries and an iPad please
Published: 11:30, 17 May 2016
Maidstone has a new all-singing, all-dancing McDonalds.
The branch in Week Street re-opened today after an extensive refurbishment.
Franchisee Ali El Hajj has taken the restaurant he has run since November 2012 firmly into the 21st century using up to the moment IT technology throughout.
The store has a number of iPad stations built onto the food tables so patrons can stay connected while they eat.
There are sockets and USB points close to every table for diners to plug in their laptops.
Electronic order boards greet customers at each entrance, so they can place and pay for their order before they go to the counter to collect it.
Mr El Hajj explained that the restaurant would now operate a “made for you” policy, with food orders instantly relayed from order board to kitchen and meals cooked to order. Previously, the chain would attempt to anticipate demand and keep a number of cooked meals warming.
Mr El Hajj said the new system would not only deliver fresher food to the customer, but would also cut down on waste; previously meals had to be scrapped if not purchased within 10-minutes.
Recycling is an important part of the restaurant’s ethos; all cups, plates and cutlery will now be collected and taken back by McDonalds to be recycled.
Comfort for customers, especially the disabled or those struggling with buggies, has been increased.
Automatic doors make access easier and there is lift to overcome the internal steps within the restaurant.
The downstairs eating area has been expanded by 30 seats to allow more room for those with wheelchairs or pushchairs.
Branch manager Simon Possee said: “It’s a very exciting for us - and for our customers.”
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Alan Smith