McDonald’s customers face the prospects of disrupted service in the coming months. But they’ll be rewarded with new surroundings and a line of specialty drinks.
The six McDonald’s Restaurants outlets in Red Deer — including those in the city’s two Walmart stores — are scheduled to undergo renovations, said Connie Bullock, the company’s local community relations representative. The changes, which are occurring at McDonald’s franchises and corporate-owned stores across Canada, will include the addition of McCafés.
McCafés boast equipment like coffee grinders and espresso machines, allowing them to serve cappuccinos, lattes, iced mochas and other hot and cold drinks. They occupy a distinct section behind the counter, said Bullock, although customers order McCafé drinks at the regular tills.
The pending renovations will result in other changes, she said, including a vastly different decor, new seating and self-serve pop stations.
“You won’t believe it’s a McDonald’s.”
Bullock said work on the Red Deer restaurants will occur on a phased basis, starting sometime after next Wednesday’s McHappy Day — McDonald’s annual fundraising event. The renovations at each store will take anywhere from 1 1/2 to six weeks to complete.
Affected restaurants will be closed during construction, she said.
Bullock said exterior renovations are also planned for the future.
The six Red Deer McDonald’s outlets were acquired by McDonald’s Canada from longtime franchisee Max Pasley Enterprises Ltd. effective Dec. 31.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com