A new McDonald’s restaurant will open in Northern Ireland next month creating 100 jobs.
The “dual lane” drive thru restaurant at The Junction in Antrim the retail and leisure park, will be the first McDonald’s in Antrim.
Its opening will see it compete directly with rival fast food chain, Burger King, which also has an outlet at the retail park.
It will be operated by new franchisee Paddy Cusack who will launch the store on November 21.
McDonald’s said the outlet will be one of its most modern in the province, with table service, an outdoor kids play area and indoor kids digital play table and digital services including touch screen ordering and free tablets.
The 110-seater eaterie brings McDonald’s portfolio in Northern Ireland to 30 restaurants.
Franchisee Paddy Cusack said: “I am really excited to be joining the McDonald’s team here in Northern Ireland. As a businessman I’m keen to ensure steady investment in the local economy and I am pleased to be able to provide over 100 new full and part time positions. We offer excellent opportunities for career development and will be developing our own managers from within the business through continuous structured training and education. In addition, we are seeking to employ customer care staff and customer experience leaders who enjoy working with people and creating the ultimate experience for our customers.
“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.”
Leona Barr, centre manager for The Junction Retail and Leisure Park, said: “I am delighted to welcome McDonald’s to our ever growing leisure, food and beverage, and retail offering, marking another important milestone in our Master Plan here at The Junction. We are looking forward to the opening in November and are certain that the restaurant will be a very welcome addition for customers in the run up to the busy festive shopping period.”
The opening of McDonald’s at The Junction is just one part of the retail park’s £30m development announced earlier this year.
And McDonald’s will be the first operator in the new food zone outside the Omniplex.
It is expected that more announcements will be made in the coming months about further food and leisure operators at the site.
The Junction retail park was bought by The Lotus Group in 2016.