McDonald’s carrying out ‘operational tests’ in preparation for reopening restaurants

McDonald’s says it will only reopen ‘when the time is right’

Matt Mathers
Tuesday 28 April 2020 13:24 BST
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"Operational tests" are being carried out by McDonald's as the fast-food giant begins preparations to reopen restaurants.

The firm shut last month due to the ongoing lockdown and says it will only open “when the time is right”.

Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s chief executive officer for UK and Ireland, says the chain is working with government and trade bodies to establish exactly when it can reopen sites.

He added: “Restarting our business is not an easy task even when reopening in a limited capacity.

“We have set ourselves some key criteria for reopening, all of which takes time – first and foremost ensuring the wellbeing of our people and creating the right environment for them to return to work.

Mr Pomroy added that restaurants would only reopen once they could source adequate supplies of fresh produce.

“For now we remain closed, and will only reopen when we are absolutely confident we can have the right measures in place to ensure everyone’s wellbeing.”

Thousands of restaurants were forced to shut when Boris Johnson announced a nationwide lockdown on 23 March.

In recent weeks other fast-food restaurants such as KFC and Burger King have been operating limited takeaway services.

On Monday, Nando's announced that it was reopening six outlets in London and Manchester for delivery only.

“Unfortunately, PERi-PERi fans in other parts of the UK and Ireland will have to wait a little longer before they get their Nando’s fix," a spokesperson for Nando’s said.

“But if this first phase of the re-opening is successful then more restaurants will follow suit and open back up to deliver PERi-PERi goodness right to your door very soon.”

A number of outlets have been feeding NHS staff, key workers and charity volunteers during the lockdown.

You can view a full list of the fast-food outlets donating food and which workers are eligible by following this link.

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