McDonald's reopens after 'digital makeover'

Usually when we think of increased automation we associate it with job losses but that is not the case at McDonald's Mullingar restaurant, which reopened this morning with almost 20 new members of staff.

The new franchisee Seamus Rawle has invested around €700,000 in giving the Pearse Street restaurant what has been termed a “digital makeover”.

Not only does the restaurant have new self-order kiosks, which enable customers to customise their orders and check the nutritional information of the different menu items, they can also browse on-site Samsung Galaxy tablets. For those who are disinclined to use the self service kiosks or are unable to do so, they can not only still order at the counter but also avail of table service.

In addition to Mullingar, Mr Rawle operates three other McDonald's restaurants in Cavan, Athlone and Longford. The stores' general manager Antoinette Nugent said the changes to the restuarant in Mullingar, which include an entire refurbishment, should prove very popular with customers.

“This is our third [digital makeover] conversion. Every time we have done it, it has evolved into something slightly different, we have slightly improved the process.

“There is more space in the new restaurant and the crew feel so much better. They have been working in Longford for the last three weeks doing training as it's a completely new system.”

Ms Nugent also revealed that the new self-order kiosks mean that the restuarant actually needs more staff as all of the food is made to order.

“Before we'd do so many of a product and put it in the heating area for ten minutes. Now when you put your order in the kiosk or at the till it goes through directly on the system and then straight away they start producing it for you.

“The process is better now. It's a much fresher product and is really made for you.”

To facilitate the changes at the restaurant, McDonald's in Mullingar has expanded its staff numbers from 38 to 55 and is still hiring. Ms Nugent says that the new look restaurant should be a big hit with the public.

“We hope all our customers enjoy the experience. Mullingar is a buzzing town. Our customers are very loyal and all of our staff here are local too.”