75 Trinis already hired at McDonald’s

After closing its doors in 2003, the popular fast food restaurant McDonald’s is set to re-enter the T&T market. This time, though, the world’s largest chain of hamburger restaurant, which is headquartered in United States, would be operated by its master franchise partner Arcos Dorados. In an interview yesterday, Milagros Bermudez, T&T market manager of Arcos Dorados, the Latin American McDonald’s restaurant franchisee that listed its shares on the New York Stock Exchange on April 14, said T&T could experience McDonald’s as early as the end of September or the beginning of October. She also promised locals that they would have the opportunity to enjoy diverse menus and sauces, inclusive of local dishes.

Bermudez said McDonald’s would be offering its core products in addition to innovative menus that would include its specialised Happy Meals which contain less than 600 calories and less sodium and salt for healthy eaters. Asked what were some of the prospects that encouraged them to reopen the restaurant in T&T: Bermudez said: “Why not T&T? The company did a two-year comprehensive feasibility study to assess the viability of T&T for McDonald’s and the decision to open in T&T was a strategic business decision.” She stated Arcos Dorados recognised that T&T had talented people who would be able to grow the business successfully.

“We have already recruited more than 75 employees and we are impressed with the high standards these potential employees have exhibited.” Bermudez said McDonald’s would only be staffed with locals and that local managers would train other employees. She said that with the right people, coupled with the quality products and services that McDonald’s offer, there is no doubt this business venture would be a success. She said Arcos Dorados is an organisation with the resources and the experience to be competitive in the market.The four-year old company has targeted The Falls at West Mall, Westmoorings, for its first location.

In addition to the hamburger restaurant, Bermudez said T&T would also enjoy McDonald’s niche brand, McCafe, which would be situated inside the branch and provide a relaxing ambience for customers who want to order beverages, coffee, tea and local pastries. Arcos Dorados, Bermudez said, owns the rights to franchise McDonald’s in countries across Latin American and the Caribbean. The company already operates 1,755 restaurants, 1,300 dessert centres and 267 McCafe locations across Latin America.