McDonald’s Australia to inject $600m into economy with new restaurants

McDonald’s Australia has revealed a bold new plan that includes a big change to one its key features after customer demand.

If you start noticing more McDonald’s restaurants popping up in your area — and even bigger drive-thrus — it’s part of the fast-food giant’s plan to open 100 new stores across the country.

This year alone there will be 27 new restaurants open across Australia, with a focus on expanding drive-thrus, while the remaining stores will be built in the next three years.

The bold new plan will inject $600 million into the Australian economy and will also create at least 12,000 new jobs, according to the fast food giant.

The Covid-19 pandemic has played a big role in steering McDonald’s Australia’s decision to create bigger drive-thrus during the building spree.

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McDonald's Australia has announced it will open 100 new restaurants across the country over the next three years. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

“In addition to our property expansion plans, we are also focused on growing our drive-thru, digital and McDelivery offerings in response to growing market demand,” a McDonald’s spokesperson told news.com.au

“In a Covid environment, our customers have relied upon our drive-thru, digital and delivery options to provide a safe, contactless and convenient experience.

“We will continue to focus on enhancing these business functions to allow our customers to enjoy Macca’s on their own terms.”

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As part of the major expansion drive-thrus will get bigger. Picture: James Ross

With McDonald’s celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the expansion is part of its plans to continue to provide “great tasting food and supporting our people, customers and communities in Australia”.

“As we look towards the future, we are committed to continuing to play an important role in feeding and fostering local communities across Australia,” the spokesperson said.

“As Australia’s largest employer of young people in Australia, we are proud of the role we play in giving Aussies their first job and shaping their future careers.”

The first 27 restaurants will create 3,000 jobs alone.

The bigger drive-thrus are in response to customer demand also people relying on it more during Covid pandemic. Picture: Supplied

There will be seven each in Queensland and New South Wales, six in Victoria, three in South Australia and four in Western Australia.

Opening the doors to its first Australian restaurant in 1971, the fast-food giant currently boasts 1009 restaurants nationwide, employing more than 107,000 people and serves two million Aussies every day.

Macca’s is celebrating its 50th anniversary in Australia this year. Picture: Supplied

McDonald’s Australia CEO Andrew Gregory said that many of McDonald’s partnerships with Australian suppliers and farmers have now spanned multiple decades – but they “continue to find new ways to constantly improve the Macca’s experience for our customers”.

McDonald’s has been celebrating its 50th with a series of promotions, including changes to its menu with new burgers and desserts.

A range of promotions, menu items and unique collaborations will then follow through the rest of June until the end of August.

Originally published as McDonald’s Australia to inject $600m into economy with new restaurants