MCDONALD’S is launching new mini outlets with a reduced menu so it can serve meals faster.
The first has opened on Fleet Street in London, and the focus on takeaways means there is no in-store seating.
It is geared to busy office workers who need to pop out for a “grab and go” lunch that they will eat in a park or back at their desk.
At the moment they tend to get ready-made sandwiches from small supermarkets or outlets such as Pret a Manger.
All customers in the so-called McDonald’s to Go stores must order via a touchscreen.
These have steadily been rolled out in recent years to ordinary outlets.
A more limited menu of favourites such as Big Macs, McNuggets and Big Flavour Wraps will mean staff can have more of them ready at peak times.
McDonald’s is trialling the new format ahead of rolling it out to other town and city centres where there is likely to be demand.
Henry Trickey, head of IT for McDonald’s, said: “Changing tastes, new technology and more competition mean we need to continue to innovate.
“We know that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ and that’s exactly why we are launching McDonald’s to Go.
“We want to trial different formats in different locations, depending on customer needs.”
It is the latest innovation from McDonald’s.
Some outlets with the self-order touchscreens can get table service.
Plus an app allows burger fans to pre-order to a specific restaurant and once near to it they can pick whether they want takeaway or table service.
