McDonald’s opens its flagship store in New York

McDonald’s has opened its huge new flagship restaurant in New York, which boasts table service and offers burgers from around the world.

The massive three-storey branch sits in the heart of the city’s thronging Times Square to cater to the millions of tourists who flock there every year. The giant 11,200sq ft glass-walled restaurant was designed by architects Landini Associates and Progressive AE.

McDonald’s says the building “provides customers with spectacular dining room views out into the heart of Times Square.”A statement announcing the grand opening added: “Customers will notice hints of gold and red to celebrate our brand with a modern twist.”

Punters will be guided to use as many as 18 giant digital screens for self ordering their meals – or they can order via their phones or through a staff member at the till. Customers who have finished their food on the second floor and are still hungry can even order again via screens there rather than having to go back downstairs. And in a unique twist, this flagship branch will be the only McDonald’s to offer table service – catering to up to 173 diners. The restaurant will also be sending out food for delivery.

As if the restaurant wasn’t big enough, the building is topped by a humongous 9,280 sq ft billboard – making it the third largest in Times Square.

US President Chris Kempczinski said: “While the flagship showcases the ultimate McDonald’s experience, we’ve been delivering new levels of convenience, personalisation and service throughout the US since 2016. With this restaurant renovation, our food is positioned in the centre of the cultural hotbed that is New York City – in a beautifully designed space that can be replicated across the US” he added: “It’s the ultimate product placement and the effect is sure to be felt across the country. At the end of the day, this restaurant renovation is the physical and symbolic embodiment of Bigger, Bolder Vision 2020 coming together. And that’s something we can all celebrate.”