Business

Tuesday April 22, 2008

McDonald’s to open more outlets this year

By LOOI SUE-CHERN


PENANG: McDonald's will be opening 10 to 15 new outlets in the country this year, according to McDonald's Malaysia chief financial officer Chan Chee Chin.

The fast food franchise, started in Malaysia 26 years ago, currently has 177 restaurants nationwide.

“Based on the positive response to our business, we aim to open 10 to 15 more within the year. Some RM50mil has been set aside for the new outlets, to upgrade our existing restaurants and invest in new systems,” Chan said.

Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin (second right) with Chan Chee Chin (right) at the launch of the McDonald’s Drive-Thru at Farlim.

He said McDonald's latest investment was in the “Made for You Kitchen” system.

“Under this system, the food will be made only after the order is received instead of getting it ready and keeping it warm,” he told a press conference after the opening of McDonald's new Drive-Thru at Caltex Farlim here by deputy chief minister I Mohammad Fairus Khairuddin on Saturday.

McDonald's outlet at the petrol station, opened last December at a cost of about RM2.5mil, is expected to record revenue of RM3mil in its first year of operation, Chan said.

“We expect our yearly sales in Malaysia to account for about 30% of the total RM2bil sales in the local fast food market.

“This year we are aiming to make RM700mil through our restaurants nationwide,” he added.

McDonald's will also be opening a new outlet at Bandar Perda Jaya Jusco in Seberang Jaya within a year of the opening of a new mall this year.

There are also plans to offer free Wi-Fi services at selected McDonald's outlets nationwide.

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