THE local McDonalds restaurant is set for a $1 million upgrade, potentially creating as many as 50 new jobs and bringing the latest McDonalds marketing trend to Swan Hill.
Store owners Chris Arneil and Kirsty Tassell have injected more than $1 million dollars into the refurbishment, which will incorporate the company’s new “Create Your Taste” concept into the restaurant.
Ms Tassell said the upgrade, set to begin within six to eight weeks and due for completion towards the end of the year, was designed to complement the new eating experience.
“Create Your Taste is currently rolling out across the nation and we knew it was imperative that the look and feel of our restaurant matched the innovation of the new menu,” she said.
The new design will include digital self-serve kiosks and a new dining area to allow customers to custom-design their burgers and order them digitally, before sitting down to have their meal brought out to them.
Other changes include a two-lane drive thru (to decrease traffic congestion), updated décor, increased indoor seating and a birthday party room.
Ms Tassel said that 10 people had already been hired in preparation for the launch of the store’s new look, but an additional 20 to 40 new crew members were still anticipated to be required once the upgrade was complete.
“We are also excited that the refurbishment will mean more jobs for local residents,” she said.
“The store remodel and the Create Your Taste experience are set to create between 30 to 50 new jobs.
“When we relaunch the restaurant with over 150 staff, we will be one of the biggest employers in the area.”
Mr Arneil and Ms Tassell have looked at upgrading the restaurant numerous times since taking over six years ago, but believe they have finally found the opportune moment to go through with one.
Council has granted planning approval for the renovations and Ms Tassell said the restaurant will remain open as they go ahead, with most of them occurring at night.
For more stories, pick up a copy of Friday’s Guardian (May 22).
