Northerners are not happy…
Finally announcing which UK stores will re-open just yesterday, McDonald’s has caused quite the stir on social media – revealing that no Northern restaurants would be opening in their trial run. In fact, there was nothing past the Midlands either, with all selected stores residing in the South.
You won Chelmsford. Enjoy the McDonald’s, I hope it makes you very happy. Dear lord what a sad little life, Chelmsford. You’ve ruined my day completely so you could have 3 branches of McDonald’s opening.
— Molly (@xmollypearson) May 5, 2020
And understandably, the burger chain has had some explaining to do, as hundreds of Maccies fans took to Twitter to express their frustration. One fan wrote “Are you social distancing from the North?”, while others showed their anger more clearly, saying: “The actual disappointment is unreal embarrassing you could have atleast spread the stores out instead of half of them being down south pure spineless”.
We are pleased to confirm the 15 restaurants we will open for McDelivery only from 13th May. pic.twitter.com/WkGsAjg83M
— McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) May 5, 2020
While the news is disappointing, to say the least, it appears there’s a good reason for it, with one disgruntled customer managing to get some clarity from the fast-food chain.
The response reads: “Hi Sophie, These 15 restaurants were chosen for their proximity to our distribution centre as we slowly but safely seek to reopen our restaurants and restart our supply chain. Rest assured we are working hard to reopen more restaurants across the UK and Ireland at the right time.”
Hi Sophie, These 15 restaurants were chosen for their proximity to our distribution centre as we slowly but safely seek to reopen our restaurants and restart our supply chain. Rest assured we are working hard to reopen more restaurants across the UK and Ireland at the right time.
— McDonald's UK (@McDonaldsUK) May 5, 2020
The lucky 15 stores will be operating on a delivery basis only to their local areas, with a limited menu implemented as the business gradually re-opens across the UK. Here’s the full list of participating restaurants:
- Chelmsford Riverside
- Chelmsford Westway
- Ipswich Cardinal Park
- Boreham Interchange
- Luton Leagrave
- Watford Hertfordshire Arms
- Chaul End Lane, Luton
- Beechings Way, Gillingham
- Sittingbourne Retail Park
- Gillingham Bowaters
- Tooting
- Dalston
- Welling
- Harrow
- Luton George Street