READING’S new-look McDonald’s on Friar Street welcomed its first customers on Wednesday morning.
Members of the public were greeted by balloons and more than 35 smiling employees for its grand reopening. The fast food restaurant was forced to close on May 26, after a fire, which started in the CMart a few doors down, caused significant damage to the building.
A four-month closure gave the business time to carry out renovations to the building, which have included front counter and kitchen redesigns, a new dedicated courier waiting area and entrance, and improved break spaces for employees.
Richard Forte, McDonald’s franchisee, said: “It was clear the restaurant was damaged beyond repair. We spoke with an architect to see if it was feasible to refurbish the restaurant, it was going to be refurbished in a couple of years’ time anyway so I just brought forward those plans.
“What normally takes a year to plan we’ve managed to do in four months, from a standing start to opening today.”
He added that all staff members who had previously worked at the branch would be returning, having been relocated to other branches in the interim.
“I share the excitement of all my colleagues coming back today to see their place of work,” Mr Forte explained. “It makes me smile when I see them smile. I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved.”
The owner and operator of 30 McDonald’s restaurants across four counties, including Reading’s four locations, said that “a significant amount of money” had gone into the refurbishment.
The branch’s position on Friar Street and late closing time had made it a fixture of the town’s nightlife, and although it may have missed out on the Reading Festival footfall this year, the return comes just in time for the start of the new academic year.
Customers will be treated to a slightly different experience than before, with the old large table on the ground floor replaced with smaller booths, while also expanding the capacity by a couple if seats.
Upstairs, a training room is available for commercial and community uses, with groups and societies using it as a meeting space.
“To me it feels like a family business. Most of the guys here have been with me since I took over the restaurant in 2016.
“As a businessperson, Reading is a really prosperous town. It’s got that dynamic of people commuting from London to Reading and people going the other way. It’s got the best of both worlds.
“It’s got an amazing development at Station Hill across the road and the development at Forbury. It’s a great place to do business.”
