McDonald’s sets out plan to reopen walk-in takeaway

From tomorrow (10 February), 26 select restaurants across the UK will reopen for takeaway to test out new safety measures, which will then be rolled out across the rest of the McDonald's estate.

The fast food giant, which operates some 1,300 sites across the UK, voluntary chose to suspend offering walk-in takeaway from its restaurants across the nation in early January​​, so as to allow it time to review and reassess its safety procedures.

Over the last four weeks, the chain has been working with third-party safety experts NSF International, as well as its restaurant teams and franchisees to examine all operational processes in place across its restaurants.

During this review, McDonald's identified several additional changes it will introduce to enhance its safety procedures including providing visors, as well as face coverings, for customer-facing employees; revised guidance and processes for couriers to support their safe working; and enhanced processes for managing customer and courier flow in restaurants.

“The wellbeing of our people, as well as our suppliers, couriers and our customers remains our top priority, and we are confident the new processes in place will further enhance our already robust safety measures,” says McDonald's UK and Ireland chief executive Paul Pomroy.

"It's safe to say it's not been the start to 2021 that any of us hoped for, but I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and dedication shown by our employees, franchisees and suppliers."

Pomroy adds that due to current lockdown restrictions, McDonald's is currently unable to reopen takeaway in Scotland.