McDonald’s forced to shut two of its most profitable NSW outlets
Two of Australia’s most profitable McDonald’s will close and be replaced by Hungry Jacks, as part of a major shake up.
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Two of Australia’s most profitable McDonald’s drive-thrus will shut down and be replaced by rival fast food outlet Hungry Jacks as part of a major service station shake-up.
Ampol last week announced its plan to upgrade its service centres on the M1 Pacific Motorway near Wyong, on the NSW Central Coast, which it said involved tearing down the golden arches.
McDonald’s at both service stations were due to close to make way for a revamped set of offerings, including an Ampol Foodary, Hungry Jack’s, Oliver’s and other quick service restaurants.
AmpCharge EV charging bays were also set to be installed on both sides of the highway.
“Unfortunately, McDonald’s M1 North and M1 South will be permanently closing in mid-July and early 2024 respectively, due to an expired lease agreement,” a McDonald’s spokesperson told news.com.au.
“While we are disappointed these restaurants are closing, we are excited to be opening two new McDonald’s restaurants on the M1 at Cooranbong in 2024.”
The announcement has received a mixed reaction from the public, with the fast food outlets having become a key stop for those heading through on road trips.
In response to a TikTok highlighting the restaurants would be replaced by Hungry Jacks, many viewers could not have been more thrilled.
“Hungry jacks is superior. Their chips are soooooo good and never floppy,” one wrote.
“The burgers are better at Hungry Jacks. for real,” another said.
A third said they would be “so much happier for HJs to be there”.
“Hungry Jacks is cheaper than Maccas, plus nicer,” someone else said.
Others however were devastated by the change.
“No one is gonna stop for Hungry Jacks,” one said, with another claiming, “No one knows how to order Hungry Jacks”.
“Maccas was iconic and so many of us grew up with stopping there,” someone else said.
“That’s terrible. It’s such a great pit stop. Maccas is so much better than HJs,” another said.
McDonald’s said it would continue to serve customers at nearby restaurants.
“We look forward to continuing to be part of the local community and serving our iconic Macca’s menu at our nearby restaurants, McDonald’s Wyong (Lot 2 Anzac Road), McDonald’s Morisset (Cnr Dora & Ourimbah Street), and from our exciting new restaurants in 2024.”
Originally published as McDonald’s forced to shut two of its most profitable NSW outlets