McDonald’s to open 200 new outlets in UK and Ireland, create 24,000 jobs

McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) plans to open over 200 new restaurants across the UK and Ireland high streets over the next four years, as part of its £1B expansion strategy.

The push aims to create approximately 24,000 jobs and is the largest growth initiative for McDonald’s (MCD) in these regions over the last two decades.

The investment marks a significant jump from £618M investment McDonald’s (MCD) made in the last six years on new restaurants and refurbishments. The burger giant opened 41 new restaurants in 2023, the highest number in two decades.

The fast food company will experiment with new restaurant types, like smaller formats and drive-to restaurants.

This initiative coincides with McDonald’s (MCD) global goal to open an additional 10,000 restaurants by 2027.

“We have become an important part of communities across the UK, and I’m delighted that in this milestone year we are able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to growth,” said Alistair Macrow, chief executive of McDonald’s (MCD) UK & Ireland, in a report that celebrates 50 years of McDonald’s (MCD) in the UK.