McDonald's creating 20 jobs with digital makeover in Coleraine

The McDonald's restaurant in Coleraine has received a major digital makeover creating 20 jobs for the area.
Franchisee Bruce Bailie with his wife Susan. INCR 11-751-CONFranchisee Bruce Bailie with his wife Susan. INCR 11-751-CON
Franchisee Bruce Bailie with his wife Susan. INCR 11-751-CON

It follows significant investment from franchisee Bruce Baillie in innovations to further enhance the customer experience,

To improve the speed and ease of ordering, people now have the option to use one of seven self-order kiosks. These allow them to browse the menu, look at nutritional information and personalise their meals

These innovations have been designed with changing customer needs in mind, and the dedicated dining room hosts ensure the process is as quick and easy as possible, says the company.

Bruce Bailie, franchisee at the McDonald's Coleraine restaurant, with Steven McFaull and Rhonda Evans. INCR 11-752-CONBruce Bailie, franchisee at the McDonald's Coleraine restaurant, with Steven McFaull and Rhonda Evans. INCR 11-752-CON
Bruce Bailie, franchisee at the McDonald's Coleraine restaurant, with Steven McFaull and Rhonda Evans. INCR 11-752-CON

Table service has also been introduced to the restaurant, which aims to take the stress out of finding somewhere to sit when carrying food, potentially with children, bags and buggies.

Mr Baillie, who has been a franchisee in Northern Ireland for 22 years, said: “Since we’ve re-opened we’ve noticed a change in how our customers are treating our restaurant. People who used to pop in for a quick bite to eat are staying longer to make use of the tech we now have on offer, such as our tablets and free Wifi.

“We’ve also noticed a difference in the way people are ordering, for example people are now more aware of our healthier options such as swapping fries for a side salad or adding a fruit bag to their children’s Happy Meal.

“These changes have been designed to make our customers’ experience as positive as possible and the new technology benefits everyone – whether that’s providing people with a chance to get to grips with using a tablet in a relaxed environment, or providing mums with a quick and easy way of ordering their food.”

Franchisee Bruce Bailie is pictured with restaurant manager Jennie Holmes. INCR 11-753-CONFranchisee Bruce Bailie is pictured with restaurant manager Jennie Holmes. INCR 11-753-CON
Franchisee Bruce Bailie is pictured with restaurant manager Jennie Holmes. INCR 11-753-CON

Feedback has so far been positive.

“I am really enjoying the new look restaurant,” said Simon Magee, a customer at the Coleraine restaurant. “At first I was a little unsure and thought the kiosks would mean it took me longer to order but they definitely speed things up. A crew member talked me through it the first time but it’s so easy I use them every time I visit.”

The introduction of these changes also means that restaurant crew are able to widen their skill set. More are able to be in front of the counter, serving customers and helping them navigate the new digital menu boards for the first time ever.

Bruce added: “I’ve been a franchisee for more than 20 years and have seen the McDonald’s experience transform in this time. Our restaurants are a great leveller and are able to suit the needs of people from any background who want to come in grab a bite to eat or drink and enjoy the atmosphere these changes have created.

Bruce Bailie, franchisee at the McDonald's Coleraine restaurant, with Steven McFaull and Rhonda Evans. INCR 11-752-CONBruce Bailie, franchisee at the McDonald's Coleraine restaurant, with Steven McFaull and Rhonda Evans. INCR 11-752-CON
Bruce Bailie, franchisee at the McDonald's Coleraine restaurant, with Steven McFaull and Rhonda Evans. INCR 11-752-CON

“I am dedicated to investing in the local area and in the development of my employees. That’s why I’ve improved the crew room to provide them with the same facilities that our customers enjoy and have an area to train and develop to keep improving the service we offer. I’m confident that this new look restaurant in Coleraine will be a welcome addition to the area and I’m looking forward to welcoming our customers in to show off the changes.”