Hi-tech drive-thru McDonald's opens in Portsmouth and creates 90 jobs

NINETY jobs have been created at a new '˜hi-tech' McDonald's restaurant.
Table service has proved very popular with customersTable service has proved very popular with customers
Table service has proved very popular with customers

The new store opened in North Harbour earlier this month after significant investment from franchisee Grant Copper.

The restaurant was built on land next to Tesco that was formerly a house that was demolished,

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Mr Copper, from Copnor, started his career at McDonald’s 30 years ago working at the store in Commerical Road, Portsmouth.

He worked his way up and now runs 18 restaurants across Portsmouth, West Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which combined contribute almost £19.3m to the local economy and employ nearly 1,500 people.

His latest venture has new technological features, a side-by-side drive-thru with a new dual-lane system, as well as the option of table service.

Mr Copper said: ‘I am really excited to have opened a new restaurant here in Portsmouth.

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‘As someone who is from this city, it is fantastic to be able to help contribute to the local economy and create jobs within my community.

‘My new restaurant helps to demonstrate McDonald’s commitment to offering our customers’ greater choice and fast service.

‘Technology has a huge role to play in all walks of life, including our customers’ eating out experience, so the new tech we’ve introduced recognises the way people live their lives today.

‘To ensure we continue to create an outstanding customer experience, I am also continuing to invest in my people through our industry-leading training programmes and career opportunities.’

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The restaurant created 90 new jobs and also saw 10 more move over from Mr Copper’s existing restaurants.

Following a trial last year in 14 restaurants across England, table service proved popular with customers.

As a result, it is now being rolled out to all new McDonald’s restaurants and existing restaurants that are undergoing digital transformations, such as Mr Copper’s Cosham drive-thru that was refurbished in March.

By the end of this year, more than 400 restaurants across the UK will offer table service.

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The new North Harbour McDonald’s has a large dining area with space for 160 people, as well as an outdoor play area.

The new technology includes the option to customise classic burgers; and to order and pay by smartphone.

Customers will also be able to enjoy interactive table-top games while they share a meal and even charge their smartphones using wireless charging devices.