Customers lose it over Sydney Airport McDonald’s detail

There’s one thing about Sydney Airport Macca’s that shocks tourists and Aussies alike every time they depart from the international hub.

There’s one thing about Sydney Airport Macca’s that shocks tourists and Aussies alike every time they depart the city.

Back in 2018, McDonald’s Australia unveiled its new see-through “kitchen in the sky” design in T1 International, where burgers and fries are delivered to customers via conveyor belt.

But not long after that, the world went into lockdown, so not many people had a chance to witness or experience the “awesome” new “robot” Macca’s.

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There is one very unique detail about Macca’s at Sydney Airport. Picture: TikTok

However, now that Australia has opened its borders to international travel, people stopping at the fast-food restaurant have noticed the unique Macca’s with its glowing yellow glass box.

They have since bombarded TikTok with clips about the conveyor belt detail.

“Why does no one talk about this McDonald’s at Sydney Airport?” one TikTok user asked while showing packaged meals being dropped off to staff via the belt.

“UHM HELLO THTS [sic] SO COOL?” another very excited person wrote.

It has a conveyor belt that drops off the food to staff. Picture: TikTok

And customers are losing their minds over it. Picture: TikTok

“McDonald’s at Sydney Airport with dual storey – second level is the food preparation and first level is for collection,” one customer explained.

“This Macca’s has a conveyor belt but no screen to show orders are ready,” another said. “[And] staff have to shout so loud.”

Many have dubbed it the ‘coolest’ Macca’s they have ever seen. Picture: TikTok

At the time of the launch, Josh Bannister, senior development director at McDonald’s Australia, said working within the limited space, they needed to be creative in how they designed the restaurant.

The technologically advanced Macca’s features a see-through kitchen raised high above terminal one, with design firm Landini Associates briefed with creating an “iconic, memorable customer experience, like nothing seen before”.

The top level has staff preparing the food. It then comes down the conveyor belt to staff on the ground level to hand it to customers. Picture: TikTok

Given the amount of TikToks from shocked customers, it’s safe to say they achieved that goal.

“What is this McDonald’s magic?” one TikTok user joked.

Mr Bannister explained placing the kitchen above the counter, while visually stimulating, was structurally complex, because they had to ensure it could deliver its wares efficiently and quickly to the customers below.

“We combined kiosk ordering technology and a ‘transporter’ delivery system. Although we’re always open to exploring different opportunities, our focus remains on freestanding restaurants with a drive-through.”

However, like any tech, there are bound to be the occasional glitches, with one customer sharing a clip of a conveyor belt “fail”.

His footage showed a packed meal coming down a bit too fast and falling off the belt.

Nonetheless, the Airport Macca’s continues to amaze travellers as they pass through.