McDonald's has today announced (May 5) the locations of 15 restaurants opening across the UK – including four London sites – on May 13. Read the full story here.
After an announcement confirming it was running “operational tests” this week, fast food giant McDonalds has confirmed it will reopen a number UK restaurants for delivery on May 13.
Having shut down all 1,350 of its UK stores at the beginning of the lockdown, citing the wellbeing of its 135,000 UK staff, the chain will now reopen 15 sites across the country, with the locations set to be announced next week.
The brand apologised that the "first wave" of reopenings would not be near all customers but said it had to find the "right pace" to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all involved.
Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s chief executive officer for the UK and Ireland, said: “When we return it will be different as we all adjust to this new normal.
“I want to apologise in advance if our first wave of reopened restaurants does not serve your area.
“Rest assured, we are working hard to reopen more restaurants, but I am adamant this must be at the right pace with the wellbeing of our employees, suppliers and customers front of mind.
“Slowly, but safely, we will return to towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, and thank you for your continued support as we work through this crisis.”
Mr Pomroy added: “We have deliberately taken our time, we want to get this right."
The 15 sites will offer limited menu options and trading hours, with breakfast items among those not available. That said, the group’s most famous dishes, including their cheeseburgers, hamburgers, chicken nuggets and Filet-O-Fish will all be served.
McDonald's has said that it will be offering delivery through Just Eat and Uber Eats, and both drop offs and collections will be contact free, a measure which had already been introduced when the restaurants closed last month.
In the statement, Mr Pomroy also stressed each of the 15 branches would ensure strict social distancing policies and additional health and safety measures, including the introduction of Perspex screens, floor markings, and the use of contactless thermometers to ensure staff were all fit and well.
The chain has kept customers up to speed on its Twitter account, @McDonaldsUK, with statements also on its website, mcdonalds.com.
