MCDONALD’S will open more than 200 restaurants across the UK and Ireland over the next four years, in a move which will create 24,000 new jobs.
It marks the largest expansion programme for more than 20 years by the fast-food chain.
The growth plan is being fulled by a £1billion investment by the chain and its franchisees.
McDonald’s UK business currently has 1,435 restaurants across the UK, with around four-fifths owned and operated by franchisees.
The hospitality firm, which currently employs more than 170,000 workers, said the expansion will involve a renewed focus on opening high street restaurants.
It said it will test new restaurant formats as part of the rollout, including trials for additional smaller site formats and the recent launch of “drive to” restaurant sites.
The new UK and Ireland openings come after McDonald’s revealed a target of building 10,000 more restaurants globally by 2027.
The Sun has contacted McDonald’s for the list of locations and will update this piece when we hear more.
Alistair Macrow, chief executive officer of McDonald’s UK&I, said: “We have come a long way since we first opened our doors in Woolwich 50 years ago.
“We have become an important part of communities across the UK and I’m delighted that in this milestone year we are able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to growth, and announce the creation of new jobs across the country as we plan to open over 200 new restaurants over the next four years.
“It’s a moment to celebrate and also to look ahead to what’s next.
“Whether that’s continuing to provide the best value for our customers, investing in our restaurants, supporting our suppliers across the UK or launching new initiatives for young people where our communities need them most.”
It comes as the firm faced its first drop in global sales since 2020.
The fast food giant said sales fell by 1% in the second quarter, as customers were deterred by the rising prices of Big Mac’s.
The chain has rolled out a number of promotional schemes since.
Its three items for £3 meal deal has proved a hit with shoppers since it launched on a seasonal basis.
The mix and match offers gives customers the chance to get items like burgers and fries for a discounted price.
Its popular McDonald’s Monopoly will also return next month.
You might not think it, but you can end up being charged more solely based on the McDonald’s restaurant you choose.
Research by The Sun found a Big Mac meal can be up to 30p cheaper at restaurants just two miles apart from each other.
HERE'S all the crucial information about McDonald's you've always wanted to know...
Meanwhile, you can pick up a Big Mac and fries for just £2.99 by filling in a feedback survey found on any old McDonald’s receipt.
The receipt should come with a 12-digit code which you can enter into the Food for Thought website alongside your submitted survey.
You’ll then receive a five-digit code which is your voucher for the £2.99 offer.
Make sure you check out all the various apps and platforms if you’re ordering McDonald’s to your home too.
Our research found some can charge up to £1.20 more than others.
If you’re planning on taking a trip to McDonald’s, you’ll want to know where your nearest branch is.
The chain has a restaurant locator tool on its website you can use to find your nearest one – and check what time it opens.
Bear in mind that McDonald’s serves breakfast every day until 11am.
After that, the menu switches to the normal menu serving meals such as burgers, chicken nuggets and more.
