VISITORS to Wokingham’s new McDonald’s outlet arrived early on launch day, determined to be first through the doors.
The restaurant was officially opened by Deputy Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Alwyn Jones, who was given a tour of the operation before diners arrived.
First at the door, a whole hour early for a McDonald’s breakfast, was Keiron.
Invited inside with mum Sarah ahead of the official opening time, Keiron was able to try his hand at pouring himself a Jaffa Cake McFlurry ice cream behind the counter with help from Reading Area Business Manager Jack Perrin.
“For a while now we’ve had to go to Earley to get a McDonalds,” Keiron said.
“So it’s great that this is now so close; nice and local.”
Also excited about the new Wokingham McDonald’s were a group of St Crispin’s School pupils.
“It was always a pain having to go to Bracknell for a McDonald’s,” they said, “so we’ll be here a lot.
“It’s amazing – We love McDonalds, and will definitely be coming here often – 100 %.”
Another customer who had come to check out the restaurant said they had mixed views.
“I’m not sure that it’s a great thing to have so close to where we live,” they said.
“There are already so many great restaurants in the town, and I hope the other restaurants don’t suffer as a result.”
Fortress Operations Ltd, franchisee of McDonald’s restaurants, owns the Wokingham branch, its 32nd store.
Saeed Aldaieh, Operations Consultant, gave Wokingham’s Deputy Town Mayor a behind-the-scenes peek at the restaurant’s shiny new kitchen, which is fitted with the latest technology.
“It’s an impressive set-up,” Cllr Jones said, “and we’re very pleased that you’ve come to Wokingham.
“This is a historic market town with a thriving population.
“It has grown rapidly, and there are lots of young families.
“So McDonalds should do well here, and will be good for the town.”
Saeed explained that the restaurant is keen to make a positive contribution to Wokingham.
“We’re delighted to be here and to be part of this community,” he said.
“We want to be good neighbours.
“Clearing up is very important to us, so one of our staff roles is specifically to clear up, every day, any litter dropped in this area.”
The restaurant currently employs 65 staff members, with plans to increase this number in future.
“We are pleased to be providing employment and development opportunities for people in the area,” he added.
Wokingham McDonalds, off Finchampstead Road, is open daily from 6am until 11pm.
For information, visit: mcdonalds.com
