McDonald's to switch to table service

mcdonalds

McDonald’s told investors today that it intends to add kiosk ordering and modified table service at all 14,200 of its restaurants in the United States.

The service option is currently offered in about 500 units. The rollout promises to establish kiosk ordering as a standard feature of the quick-service restaurants, with competitors likely to feel intense pressure to follow Big Mac’s lead.

The service enables customers to input their own orders. By providing more order-entry points without the potential slowdown of having human interaction, the setup promises to speed service.

It also enables each burger to be customized via the touchscreens.

Once the meal is prepared, a staff member brings it to the patron’s table.

McDonald’s did not reveal how the changeover would affect labor costs or serving times.

The retrofit of the service system will also include a general refresh of the stores. McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook said the transformation will establish the industry leader as a modern burger chain.

McDonald's revealed the plan at a financial conference in New York City.

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

In Red Lobster, a symbol of the challenges with casual dining

The Bottom Line: Consumers have shifted dining toward convenience or occasions, and that has created havoc for full-service restaurant chains. How can these companies get customers back?

Financing

Crumbl may be the next frozen yogurt, or the next Krispy Kreme

The Bottom Line: With word that the chain’s unit volumes took a nosedive last year, its future, and that of its operators, depends on what the brand does next.

Technology

4 things we learned in a wild week for restaurant tech

Tech Check: If you blinked, you may have missed three funding rounds, two acquisitions, a “never-before-seen” new product and a bold executive poaching. Let’s get caught up.

Trending

More from our partners