New-look '˜digital' McDonald's opens in Northampton's Grosvenor Centre

McDonald’s in the upstairs of the Grosvenor Centre has been closed in recent week while it underwent an “exciting transformation” to improve customer experience.

The fast-food restaurant, which features new digital technology, was officially reopened by Northampton South MP on Friday last week.

State of the art, self-order kiosks now give customers the chance to browse the entire menu and check out the nutritional information of each meal at the same time.

Once customers have completed their order, they can pay quickly by card or contactless, and then go straight to a designated area of the counter to pick up their order.

In the kitchens, new lay-outs and increased technology means McDonald’s iconic products will be made specially to order for customers, with every burger and wrap being freshly prepared.

To complete the digital transformation, free to use tablets have been installed at some tables for customers who want to check their newsfeed and emails or play the latest games.

The restaurant redesign also includes new décor in the hope of making it more enjoyable and welcoming for customers.

McDonald’s franchisee Perry Akhtar, who now owns seven restaurants across Northampton, Wellingborough and Raunds, said: “We’re thrilled with the transformation because we’re committed to offering our customers’ more choice and fast service.

“Technology has a huge role to play in all walks of life, including our customers’ eating out experience, so the new tech we’ve introduced recognises the way people live their lives today.

“The response to the changes from my team has been very positive and they are enjoying the new ways of working. To ensure we continue to create an outstanding customer experience, I am also continuing to invest in my people through our industry-leading training programmes and career opportunities.”

Mr Mackintosh said he was “delighted” to be invited to the opening of the newly designed McDonald’s.

The town’s MP enjoyed a tour of the restaurant and was shown all of the new features that have been installed.

He said: “McDonald’s makes a huge and positive contribution to the local community, and this renovation has created many new jobs. I am proud to support Perry’s investment and think the public will benefit greatly from these exciting new features.”

In plans in the pipeline for McDonald’s include customised classic burgers, paying by smartphone, interactive table-top games and table service at more than 300 restaurants this year.

Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s UK CEO, added: “We are confident that the investment we are making will bring new and exciting changes to McDonald’s in Northampton and across the rest of the UK. We’ve listened to customer feedback and know we need to modernise further in order to move the McDonald’s experience on, and remain relevant to the lives of the 3 million customers that we serve daily. Our converted restaurants like the one in the Grosvenor Centre will deliver a fast and easy experience, aided by digital and traditional ordering points ensuring we continue to be enjoyed by our customers.”