Business

There's nothing quite like a hundred jobs at McDonald's in Banbridge

Banbridge McDonald’s franchisee John McCollum and business manager Heather Thomas
Banbridge McDonald’s franchisee John McCollum and business manager Heather Thomas Banbridge McDonald’s franchisee John McCollum and business manager Heather Thomas

BURGER giant McDonald's will beef up its Northern Ireland portfolio of restaurants to 28 when it opens a 24/7 eatery in Banbridge on October 19, bringing 100 full- and part-time jobs to the town.

The investment at the Outlet centre on the outskirts of Banbridge brings the chain's staff numbers across the north to more than 2,200.

The franchisee is John McCollum, who runs a number of other McDonald's including Sprucefield.

He said: “As a businessman I’m keen to ensure steady investment so am pleased to be able to provide 100 positions for the Banbridge area.

“The Outlet is an exciting customer offering and we're delighted to be immersing ourselves in the local community from October.

"McDonald’s is committed to growing its business in Northern Ireland, and this major investment has created significant direct and indirect employment including a boost to the manufacturing, construction and service sectors."

Digital innovation will at the heart of the new restaurant which features a host of customer facing technology. This includes touch screen kiosks which allows customers to browse the menu, order their food and pay by card or contactless.

Free-to-use tablets have also been installed for customers who want to check their emails or play their latest games.

New technology also extends through to the kitchen adapting how the food is prepared and served so that products are made specially to order using freshly prepared ingredients.

Outlet centre manager Chris Nelmes said: "Our visitors choose the Outlet not only to shop but to eat out and have fun with their families, and the arrival of McDonald’s, just weeks after our brand new cinema opened its doors, is the first stage of ambitious plans to re-invigorate the leisure, food and beverage and retail offering."