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Changes to McDonalds’ restaurants focused around ’emotional connection’

Aug 17, 2016 | 4:20 PM

A trip to McDonalds could soon be a whole new experience, with the fast food chain introducing table service and the option to build your own burger.

“Vision 2017 is all about shifting from a really transactional focus, to a more emotional connection on both sides of our front counter,” said Rod Halladay, director of operations for McDonalds in western Canada.

The new system of self-order kiosks and table service has already rolled out in 24 restaurants across Saskatchewan including newer locations like the McDonalds in Regina’s Harbour Landing. When McDonalds celebrates 50 years in Canada next year, these options will be available in almost all of the locations across the country.

“We’ve customized the premium burger experience with ‘create your taste’ and that menu is going to enable us to allow guests to build their own burger and when you do that you get a choice of 30 quality, freshly-prepared ingredients,” Halladay explained.

Customers will still have the option of ordering the usual menu at the drive-through or counter.

McDonalds restaurants will be hiring 300 additional staff members for locations across Saskatchewan including 100 in Regina and Saskatoon alone.

“It’s great for jobs, it’s great for our staff, and it gives us new roles in the restaurant like guest experience leader that’s really going to bring a hospitality dimension to our dining rooms that we have not seen before,” Halladay said.

While many people might prefer the system they grew up with at the iconic fast-food chain, Halladay confidently noted that the customer feedback from the roll-out so far has been very positive.

 

Email achristianson@cjme.com

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