McDonald's launches EOTF store in Mumbai with enhanced digital capabilities

McDonald's India – North and East has continuously shown its dedication to promoting sustainability within the green economy.

The company has taken various actions such as adopting renewable energy, using eco-friendly packaging, and responsibly sourcing materials to support the environment.

In alignment with this commitment, McDonald's India – North and East has formed a collaboration with NueGo, a leading electric bus service under GreenCell Mobility's umbrella.

“We are deeply committed to and invested in sustainable earth intention. We are excited about our collaboration with NueGo in jointly contributing to a carbon-neutral economy.” said, Mr. Rajeev Ranjan, Managing Director, McDonald's India – North and East.

This partnership arises from a mutual goal of embracing sustainability and advocating for eco-friendly transportation choices.

With a focus on meeting the preferences of modern, environmentally aware travellers, the collaboration intends to provide effortless and convenient dining choices for those who opt for NueGo's sustainable travel alternatives.

Travelers selecting the NueGo bus service from New Delhi's Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) to well-known locations like Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Dehradun, Agra, or Jaipur, will have the option to request McDonald's meals while they wait for their departure.

An exclusive lounge will be provided for this purpose. The collaboration's reach will gradually grow to encompass more routes, and a pre-booking option for meals will also be introduced to elevate the convenience for travelers.

“We at GreenCell Mobility, are thrilled to join hands with the renowned global entity McDonald’s India – North and East, to pilot a new-age food delivery approach tailored for NueGo’s environmentally aware travelers. This unique collaboration will reinforce our commitment to sustainable mobility and our dedication to delivering inventive customer experiences.” said, Mr. Devendra Chawla, CEO and MD, – GreenCell Mobility.

Demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship, McDonald’s India – North and East has embraced inventive approaches to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the environmental repercussions of waste, and safeguard natural reserves.

The company utilizes FSC-certified paper-based packaging, sourced from recycled materials or well-managed forests, as a sustainable replacement for plastic packaging.

Remarkably, the brand's French Fries are manufactured in a zero-water discharge facility situated in India, leading to a substantial reduction in water usage.

The brand's dedication encompasses conscientious sourcing of ingredients, backing supply chains that have a positive impact on nature and the farmers involved.

As an illustration, the brand acquires coffee through sustainable means, backed by Rainforest Alliance certification.

This approach empowers coffee farmers to improve productivity while adhering to sustainable methods.

Furthermore, McDonald's India – North and East's involvement in procuring local lettuce has benefited over 250 small and less privileged farmers nationwide, fostering the adoption of sound agricultural practices.

The brand's dedication to sustainability is apparent in its utilization of palm oil, which is entirely obtained through sustainable production methods and supply chains that adhere to deforestation-free standards.

These supply chains hold certifications from the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) credits and Mass Balance certification.

To reinforce their commitment to environmental responsibility, the brand transforms used cooking oil into biodiesel, offering a lower carbon emission option compared to traditional fuels.

McDonald's India – North and East and NueGo are joined by a common goal of sustainability and leading the way in environmentally conscious travel.

With a resolute aim to set innovative standards within the industry, this collaboration strives to bring about positive transformations for both travelers and the planet.

By harmonizing their values of customer contentment and ecological responsibility, these two entities aspire to forge a partnership that propels their shared objectives in a mutually advantageous manner.

Adding another degree of excitement to its signature McSpicy Fried Chicken range, McDonald's India (West and South), has taken a power-packed leap by signing the Young Tiger of Tollywood, NTR Jr as its brand ambassador, who recently made the entire world dance to the tune of Oscar-winning ‘Naatu-Naatu’.

The brand has launched an action-packed TV commercial conceptualized by DDB Mudra, featuring the mass super star wherein he is seen driving the message #DontExplainJustShare in his quintessential cheeky style.

“I'm happy to join McDonalds’s (W&S) as their brand ambassador for McSpicy Chicken Sharers! It is an iconic brand that resonates with millions of people across the world, and to be a part of this journey feels amazing. I have always believed in collaborating and sharing, and the McSpicy Chicken Sharers speaks volumes about this spirit - #DontExplainDontShare,” said NTR Jr.

The brand has reimagined the offering of its marquee chicken range – McSpicy Fried Chicken by introducing the ‘McSpicy Chicken Sharers’ in first-time ever sharing buckets. The brand film highlights this proposition of ‘just sharing’ the McSpicy Chicken with everyone without any need for explanation, as the delectable spicy flavour must be experienced by all.

This latest TV commercial features a delightful surprise with the actor in a playful and whimsical setting. With a touch of magic and a cheeky remark, NTR Jr perfectly captures the essence of the #DontExplainJustShare theme of the new offerings. In the TVC, he is seen tinkering with the moon charismatically to make sure his favorite McDonald’s store remains open so that he can keep devouring the McDonald’s McSpicy Chicken sharers with his friends.

“We are ecstatic to have NTR Jr join the McDonald's India family as our brand ambassador. His incredible on-screen presence, charismatic personality, and relatability among the youth and families complement our vibrant brand and this new offering very well. We look forward to captivating our fans with our latest campaign that spotlights the joy of sharing our delicious McSpicy Fried Chicken with friends and family,” shared Arvind R.P., Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s India (West and South).

McSpicy Chicken Sharers is available at McDonald’s India restaurants in South India for dine-in and drive-thru and on the McDelivery® app for delivery, takeaway, and on-the-go consumption.

With an aim to celebrate the success of female employees and to foster the culture of diversity, McDonald's launched a unique multi-nation campaign with the umbrella thought that ‘Inspiring Women, Inspire Women’.

This International Women’s Day, six countries of McDonald's in the APMEA region including India (S&W), India (N&E), Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan and Thailand, came together to narrate #StoriesThatTakeYouForward.

This social media campaign brings to fore real inspiring stories from real voices, driving real impact. The campaign focuses on the women's commitment to creating opportunities for themselves and others in the company while celebrating their achievements of some of the inspiring women of McDonald’s who are like the role models for many.

“We at McDonald’s India place utmost importance on promoting a culture of gender equality and diversity. We recognize and celebrate the essential role of women in our workforce and are ever committed to creating equal opportunities that empower our employees and foster an inclusive culture that provides a level playing field,” shared Smita Jatia, Managing Director (MD), Westlife Foodworld.

These women took the center-stage and spoke about their journeys, ambitions, dreams, day at work, families, break time and how they encourage other crew members at the restaurants. These reels will be followed by bite-sized Instagram stories throughout the day, highlighting the fact that wherever our women may be, their passion, dreams, and determination to make it happen are the same.

McDonald’s India (N&E) is going ‘Burrraaahh’ in their latest campaign, for the newly introduced Butter Chicken and Butter Paneer grilled burgers.

The light-hearted and quirky ad film showcases the customers’ excitement, expressed through a hearty ‘Burrraaahh’, upon experiencing these burgers for the very first time.

“Burrraaahh is the way our North Indian guests express the feeling when they experience excitement, joy and delight together. Our new ad film perfectly captures these emotions our guests experience while consuming our Butter Chicken and Butter Paneer grilled burgers,” said Rajeev Ranjan, Chief Operating Officer, McDonald’s India – North and East.

The taste palette of these grilled burgers are inspired by the delectable world-famous north-Indian makhani cuisines.

Inspired by local Indian flavours, McDonald’s India North & East recently launched Butter chicken grilled and butter paneer grilled burgers.

The burgers are available across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India* through dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, McDonald’s app and through McDelivery (including Swiggy, Zomato and Magic Pin).

McDonald’s India (West and South) has roped in popular film celebrity - Rashmika Mandanna, as its brand ambassador for its key advertising campaigns.

Rashmika is a household name and a popular face among millennials, especially in the southern states of the country. She has enthralled audiences through Telugu and Kannada films that include hits like Chalo, Kirik Party, Sarileru Neekevvaru, Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade which have garnered over 200 Million views on YouTube.

Rashmika will soon be seen in magnum opus project Pushpa with Allu Arjun and is also set to foray into Bollywood with two back-to-back Hindi films. In a short time, she has become a youth icon and has a strong following on social media withover 15million followers on Instagram alone.

“We are delighted to have Rashmika onboard. She is someone who connects strongly with millennials and is a popular youth icon,” shared Arvind RP, Director - Marketing and Communications, McDonald’s India (West and South).

Rashmika, popularly known as the 'National Crush’has expressed her love for food through her social media handles, on several occasions. Rashmika will be a part of key brand campaigns and will play a pivotal role in enhancing brand love for McDonald’s across key markets.

“McDonald’s has been one of my favourite brands since I was a kid. I’d literally live on McDonald’s when I was in college. When they reached out to me for this association, I was absolutely thrilled! I am delighted to represent a brand that is passionate about serving yummy food with great quality to its consumers,” she added.

This association marks a significant step for McDonald’s as it looks to reinforce its brand leadership in its key markets.

McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India are operated by Westlife Development Ltd. (WDL), through its wholly owned subsidiary.

Enhancing travelers experience, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) announced the launch of McDonald's for passengers travelling through Terminal 2.

Located at Terminal 2 International, post SHA, passengers can now avail its exciting offerings and savour on the legendary burgers just before their flight. 

Continuing with its efforts of promoting a contactless journey, the airport offers a variety of touch-free processes at the store for the benefit of its passengers. Travelers will be able to place their order in a contactless manner using the digital menu card; the store has deployed McTouch machines to place an order and make digital payments.

Also Read: Hardcastle Restaurants found guilty of overcharging customers by NAA

Passengers can also order using McDonald's app that gives customers personalized offers every single day. The freshly prepared food is served as per the passenger’s preference of takeaway or dine-in at the restaurant.

Ensuring the highest food preparation standards, the store ensures that it follows stringent SOPs for the safety of the passengers. All employees are mandated to wear the necessary PPEs and the food will be freshly prepared without any direct contact with bare hands. Furthermore, the store will also practice frequent sanitization of its premise including all surfaces.

McDonald’s India- West & South is entering the fried chicken market in south India.

Owned and operated by Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Westlife Development Ltd), the brand has forayed into the fried chicken category with the launch of McSpicy Fried Chicken– a fried chicken offering curated especially to please the palates of customers in South India.

McSpicy Fried Chicken is made with the best quality chicken and is the only fried chicken in the market that is spicy down to the bone.

Also Read: How Burger Singh is Seeing a Jump in Sales in North India after closures of McDonald's Outlet

This wholesome product is available exclusively in the South market.

“Since our inception, we have been leading menu innovation to offer our customers products that are unique and clutter-breaking. The newMcSpicy Fried Chicken has been launched post very extensive and comprehensive customer research that revealed that our customers in  South India like their chicken to be crunchy, spicy and flavourful till the last bite,’ shared Smita Jatia, MD, Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd.

Being the leader of the drive-thru service in India, the brand has gone a step further and launched a new On the Go feature on their McDelivery app. This enables consumers to collect their order from any McDonald’s restaurant close to them in the comfort and safety of their vehicle.

Must Read: Are drive-thrus new ray of hope for Global chains during coronavirus pandemic

With this new feature, the brand has converted almost all its restaurants into drive-thru outlets at minimal cost.

With restaurants and QSRs operating under specific safety guidelines issued by the government, social distancing and safe dining have become key concerns for all the operators. To help their customers avoid queues and to enable convenience ordering, Gurgaon-based O2O commerce and fintech platform DotPe has partnered with McDonald’s India – North and East.

The platform is currently offering its digital ordering solutions fully integrated with a payment gateway in all the restaurants of McDonald’s across Delhi NCR.

“Our priority is ensuring the safety of our customers and providing a safe, yet convenient experience, whether it is dine-in or take away. With DotPe’s Scan-Order-Pay technology, we are committed to providing a safe and contactless experience to our customers,” said Robert Hunghanfoo, Head, CPRL (Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. operates McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India).

Also Read: Phoenix Marketcity Bengaluru adopts contactless dining and take-away, team-up with DotPe

As part of its association with McDonald’s India – North and East, DotPe has placed QR code across all key restaurants, whereas the store managers will be guiding the customers on how to use it.

Customers can scan the QR code prominently displayed in the restaurants from their mobile phones and can view the menu through their phone browsers just like an e-commerce catalogue. The customers can order from the catalogue while remaining seated and can make the payment through the phone using any medium including UPI, PayTM, Google Pay or Card. The order-related communication will further take place over the customer’s WhatsApp number, from the WhatsApp business account of McDonald’s. Once the order is ready, customers can simply pick up their order from the counter as takeaway or dine-in in the restaurant.

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“Since social distancing is the new normal, customer safety remains the prime importance for every restaurant and brand. By using our QR Code & WhatsApp based Scan Order Pay solution, customers can avoid multiple human interventions, maintain social distancing norms and safety while dining in and/or ordering takeaways,” added Shailaz Nag, Co-Founder and CEO, DotPe.

Currently used by prominent food & beverages chains, DotPe envisions on boarding 1 million merchants over the next few months to leverage its contactless dining solution and revolutionise retail and dining in the country.

Inspired by people’s craving of hugging their loved ones in the recent times, McDonald’s India – North and East has introduced double patty variants in its all-time favourites McAloo Tikki, McVeggie, McChicken, McSpicy Paneer, McSpicy Chicken, Filet-O-Fish and Dosa Masala burgers, which include two patties hugging each other tightly.

The burger chain has launched the ‘Big Hug’ campaign highlighting people’s emotional desire of hugging their loved ones, something that has reduced in the recent times.

Keeping the same in mind, the new burgers are named as ‘Big Hug’ burgers. Starting at INR 59 (plus applicable taxes), the double patty variants are surely every burger lover’s delight.

“We are excited to give our customers new ways to enjoy the burgers they love and satisfy their cravings with our all-new double patty variants, giving them a sense of familiarity as well as newness,” said Robert Hunghanfoo, Head, CPRL (Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. operates McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India). 

With ‘Big Hug’ burgers, McDonald’s is offering its customers double the pleasure of enjoying their favourite burgers, whether it’s their favourite juicy McVeggie or McChicken or classic McAloo Tikki or the signature Filet-O-Fish burger or tangy rasam sauce filled Masala Dosa burger or McSpicy Chicken or McSpicy Paneer.

With Food safety and quality always at the core, all McDonald’s products go through comprehensive quality checks, from farm to table, so that the customers can enjoy safe and delicious food every time they choose McDonald’s.

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Furthermore, as a commitment to quality and safety in the current times, McDonald’s India – North and East has introduced the Global ‘Safety+’ program that includes nearly 50-plus process changes in the restaurant operations. Safety+ is a Global system of enhanced hygiene and safety practices that help ensure that every part of the McDonald’s experience is safe for its customers and employees. It builds on more than six decades of safety-first leadership in McDonald’s restaurants.

QSR Chain McDonald’s India – North and East has introduced Whole Wheat buns in its restaurants in a bid to offer its customers a wholesome and nutritious option.

Wholewheat flour is a rich source of dietary fibre responsible for better digestive system.

“We are excited to introduce the Whole Wheat Bun for our customers. The irresistible offering that comes with an added cost of just INR 10, is a perfect example of our commitment to offer value as well as wholesome alternatives to our customers at the same time,” said says, Robert Hunghanfoo, Head, CPRL (Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. operates McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India).

Customers can now choose a whole wheat bun by adding just INR10(plus applicable taxes*) with their favourite menu items including McAloo Tikki burger, McEgg, McVeggie, McChicken, McSpicy Paneer &McSpicy Chicken, and enjoy all their favourite burgers in our new whole wheat buns. 

Customers can choose to upgrade to Whole Wheat Bun in A-la-carte, EVM (Extra Value Meal), and LEVM (Large Extra Value Meal) orders, while dining-in or in takeaway or delivery orders.

“We are sure that this new whole wheat bunis a great value offering, and will become an instant hit among our customers”, she added.

As a brand that keeps value and quality at the center of doing business, McDonald’s has been undertaking continuous efforts to improve the nutrition and wholesomeness of its menu items such asreducing sodium in the patties, fries and sauces, reducing the oil content in mayonnaise.

As part of its commitment to quality and safety in the current times, McDonald’s India – North and East has introduced McDonald’sGlobal ‘Safety+’ program that includes nearly 50-plus process changes in the restaurant operations to ensure a seamless experience for its customers whether it is a safedining-in, or delivery and take away experience. 

Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd, McDonald's India franchisee, has pulled the government to court over no input tax credit in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework for restaurants.

Presently, restaurants are levied a 5% GST, however, they can’t claim the input tax credit against the tax they paid on raw materials and other expenses such as rent.

In November 2017, the GST rate on restaurants was cut to 5% from 18%. The 18% GST allowed these restaurants to claim the input tax credit, under the 5% rate, they can’t do that.

Last week, a Council appearing for Hardcastle, Rohan Shah, filed a writ petition in the Gujarat High Court and notices were issued to the government to file a reply in this regard.

Abhishek Jain, Tax Partner, EY India, said, “A lower rate while optically has fared well with customers, a denial of input tax credit to restaurant businesses has increased their tax costs. These businesses have for long been discussing with the government on an optional higher rate with input tax credit and would now also look forward to the final High Court Ruling on this.”

McDonald’s is bringing a delicious lineup of McSaver combos for its customersin North and East India at an irresistible starting price of Rs. 59/- inclusive of taxes.

The McSaver combo meal includes a burger or a snack with a select beverage. The combo meal priced at Rs. 59/- includes a burger or a snack from McAlooTikki, McEgg, Pizza McPuff, Regular Fries, along with a select beverage.

“We understand that our customers associate McDonald’s with great tasting food, great value and fun moments. With the festive season fervour, they are also looking forward to exciting offers and dealsfrom their favourite brands. We thought of evoking that warm, cheerful feeling of the season by offering more value for menu items that our customers crave,” said, Ajita Saxena, Director, Marketing, McDonald’s - North and East India.

The three-month long value menu campaign seeks to build the brand affinity that consumers have with McDonald’s as a great value brand offering variety and a differentiated restaurant experience.

“We stay committed to our customers in North and East India and will continue to delight them by bringing exciting offers from time to time and exceeding their expectations every time they visit or order from us,” added Ajita.

The combos are available across all McDonald’s restaurants in North and East. McDonald’s has planned an integrated advertising campaign acrossprint, radio, television and digital media to create awareness amongst customers.

McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India, operated by Westlife Development, have eliminated all single-use customer-facing plastic with eco-friendly and biodegradable alternatives.

The government announced October 2, 2019, as the deadline for single-use plastic elimination across India. However, Westlife Development has been replacing plastic at its restaurants since 2017.

McDonald’s has substituted plastic cutlery with wooden cutlery and plastic cups with superior quality paper cups. The company has further launched bio-degradable lids for hot and cold beverages and unveiled straws made from corn starch extract and eventually replaced them with paper straws.

The company said, “Westlife Development is committed to supporting the government’s vision of making India greener and drive sustainability. It has been undertaking initiatives to optimize energy consumption across electricity, gas, and diesel through its proprietary Energy Management System.”

“It has also started converting the Used Cooking Oil from the restaurants to 100% bio-diesel to fuel the delivery trucks. In addition to this, the paper used for the packaging is FSC certified. Through these initiatives, the company has cut its carbon footprint by 4300 tonnes,” it added.

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The yearlong dispute McDonald’s India and Vikram Bakshi which was pending from last six years may be in jeopardy, with an appellate tribunal saying it would review and may even reverse their agreement.

The tribunal mentioned that both the sides had failed to obtain its approval for their settlement and the deal appeared to violate an order of the Debt Recovery Tribunal in proceedings initiated by state-owned Housing and Urban Development Corporation (Hudco) against Bakshi.

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal ordered Bakshi not to leave the country without informing it or the DRT.

“As we find that the parties have reached agreement which has not been approved by this appellate tribunal, prima facie being against the interim order of DRT, we are of the view that the parties should not implement such agreement nor leave this country without intimating the Debt Recovery Tribunal or this appellate tribunal,” a two-member NCLAT bench led by Justice SJ Mukhopadhaya said on Wednesday.

It is believed that the case will next be heard on November 19.

McDonald’s India acquired Bakshi’s 50% stake in Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd, their joint venture for the burger chain’s operations in north and east India, in May, settling a dispute that erupted when Bakshi was fired as CPRL’s managing director in 2013. McDonald’s India and Bakshi then sought to withdraw the cases they had filed against each other.

However, the NCLAT said it may reverse their agreement and the transfer of shares if it finds the deal violated the DRT’s order.

The DRT prohibited Bakshi from selling shares in CPRL in a case filed by Hudco for the recovery of loans advanced to his hospitality business, Ascot Hotels, and had directed him to pay Hudco Rs 195 crore.

The NCLAT had previously advised Bakshi and Hudco to reach a settlement so that the tribunal could approve the agreement between McDonald’s India and Bakshi.

McDonald’s Happy Meal is back with Super Mario across all restaurants in North & East (N&E) India. Starting at Rs 147, customers can choose from the current favourites like McAlooTikki Burger, McEgg, Chicken McNuggets, McVeggie Burger, McChicken Burger, with a beverage and a toy.

Customers can collect a toy from the adventurous Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and five other characters from the Super Mario game, every time they buy a Happy Meal.

Happy Meal will now be a regular feature on the restaurant menu in N&E India and McDonald’s will continue to introduce an exclusive collection of toys across its restaurants. Customers across all age groups have largely associated Happy Meal with feelings of nostalgia and great joy along with the special toy that raises the happiness quotient.

Generations across the world have grown up with Happy Meal as well as Super Mario, thus bringing back loving childhood memories that the brand stands for.

McDonald's, the brand that introduced India to burgers, announced the launch of its 300th restaurant in West and South India, at Churchgate, an iconic landmark in Mumbai.

Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (HRPL), the master franchisee of McDonald's in the region, commemorated this milestone by reinforcing its commitment to grow the business sustainably - in a way that's good for the people, the community and the planet.

HRPL has always ensured sustainability across its business - including things that the customers can see and those that they cannot. Over the last few years, HRPL has leveraged cutting-edge technology to consciously minimize its landfill, moderate its energy consumption, cut its carbon footprint and create eco-friendly processes to run restaurants. The Company has deployed an Energy Management System to minimize energy wastage, by monitoring in-store resource consumption across all restaurants. Last year, the Company also started converting used cooking oil from its restaurants to 100% bio-diesel to fuel its delivery trucks, saving diesel, a scarce and expensive national resource.

As a result of these initiatives, the Company has managed to conserve 28 lakh units of electricity, 300,000 litres of water, 550,000 litres of diesel and 2,400 gas cylinders, cutting its overall carbon footprint by a whopping 4,300 tonnes. Going forward, the Company is committed to leverage technology to accelerate its sustainability efforts to create a bigger environmental impact.

Commenting on this, Smita Jatia, Managing Director, Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd., said, "Businesses can thrive only when they create a symbiotic ecosystem that is conducive to long-term sustainable growth. We have always created benchmarks for the QSR industry by taking a lead in innovation and best practices. We believe that with a footprint of 300 stores, we are in a very strong position to take bold steps and make a significant difference to society at large."

Sustainability has always been an integral part of the business at HRPL. Since its inception, the Company along with its partners invested over Rs. 1,000 crores to ensure best-in-class agricultural practices and a sustainable supply chain. Today, 95% of the ingredients used at HRPL are sourced locally and sustainably. The product packaging is also created with paper that is Forest Stewardship Council(FSC) certified, that ensures that it is sourced from a forest and supply chain that is managed responsibly. The Company has also introduced bio-degradable cutlery across all restaurants, eliminating any customer-facing single-use plastic. 

HRPL has also leveraged technology to transform the customer experience by launching the new 'Experience of The Future' or 'EOTF' restaurants. The new restaurants with Self Ordering Kiosks, table trackers and air chargers elevate the dining experience significantly. Keeping with the evolving needs of the customers, the Company also re-engineered its menu to make it more nutritious and wholesome.

With an objective of offering an indigenous, nutritious and wholesome menu/local taste in an international format, McDonald's has constantly reinvented itself to remain relevant to its customers. Path-breaking menu innovations, technology advancements, robust supply chain and sustainability initiatives, along with strategic bold moves have helped McDonald's create various trends in the QSR industry thus maintaining its leadership position.

Burger Chain McDonald's enters Tirupati by opening its first outlet in the pilgrimage city in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

“We are thrilled to open our first restaurant in Tirupati - a city that not only hosts close to 40,000 pilgrims every day but is also one of the fastest growing smart cities in the country. The city’s thriving tourism and dynamic demographics present a huge growth opportunity for us,” shared Gerald Dias, Director of Business Operations- South, Hardcastle Restaurants adding that the brand is We are focused on expanding their footprint in the south Indian market while delivering great value, variety, and convenience to the customers.

Spread across over 2,100 sqft, the outlet is located on the ground floor of the BNR SV Mall.  It will be operational from 10 am to 11 pm on all days, according to the press statement.

The restaurant can accommodate over 80 guests in one go, added the statement.

This is McDonald’s 5th restaurant in Andhra Pradesh after Vijayawada, Nellore, Kakinada, and Vishakhapatnam.

Hardcastle Restaurants that has the master-franchisee rights for running McDonald’s in West and South India currently operates 292 McDonald’s outlets in the region.

After months of slump because of a bitter legal battle, quick service restaurant chain McDonald’s India (MIPL)’s north & east business, operated by estranged managing director Vikram Bakshi-led Connaught Plaza Restaurants (CPRL), has reported a 6% increase in March 2018, compared with March 2017, according to internal numbers by CPRL, a person directly aware of the development said.

McDonald’s had terminated its joint venture with CPRL last year in August, but the Indian venture is operating even as a legal spat between the two continues. “We can’t compare the January-March 2017 quarter with January-March 2018, with many stores being non-operational in January and February this year. But from March onwards, CPRL has been operating 164 stores,” the CPRL official said.

In December last year, over 80 McDonald’s stores in the north and east had shut down after CPRL’s logistics partner Radhakrishna Foodland discontinued supplies, citing “reduction in volumes and uncertainty of the future”. At the same time, McDonald’s India had issued a health advisory on the ‘quality’ of food being served at stores operated by CPRL in the north and east.

Last year on August 21, McDonald’s India had directed CPRL to stop using its brand system, trademark, designs and associated intellectual property, the deadline for which ended on September 6, 2017. CPRL, however, continues to operate the restaurants, and has since, made alternate arrangements with a new logistics partner.

Till 2017, CPRL, which ran 169 stores, was category leader in the quick service restaurant space, riding on affordability and aggressive entry-level pricing. However, post mid-last year, sales at McDonald’s north and east had slumped, with stores shutting down intermittently, uncertainty about the future, a key vendor ending its contract with the chain, and supply constraints, helping rivals such as Burger King and KFC report higher sales.

Bakshi had alleged that the termination of the JV by McDonald’s violated an earlier National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) order which had asked McDonald’s Corp to refrain from interfering in the smooth functioning of CPRL. This had resulted in NCLT issuing a show cause notice to McDonald’s Corp, which the US chain had challenged in the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT).

Arguments for the two hearings, both by National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and NCLAT, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, remained inconclusive. McDonald’s India had also moved the Delhi High Court for enforcement of an award in its favour by the London Court of International Arbitration, even as Bakshi moved Delhi High Court, challenging the arbitration order.

Bakshi and McDonald’s have been involved in a bitter legal battle since August 2013, when the burger-and-fries chain had ousted him as managing director of their joint venture. Trouble between Bakshi-led CPRL, the 50:50 joint venture between him and McDonald’s India further escalated when Bakshi challenged his removal at the Company Law Board (now NCLT), accusing McDonald’s India of mismanagement and oppression. NCLT had reinstated Bakshi as managing director in July 2017.

The people in Wall Street are losing fans to McDonald's new Dollar Menu, believing that the items provided in the menu are not appealing enough to get them to the McDonalds. For the last year the shares have fell to 5%.

Fast food companies have introduced value menus to generate traffic. In January, McDonald's revived its popular Dollar Menu, with items priced at $1, $2 or $3.

But competition for mouths has never been much fierce. Rivals Taco Bell and Wendy's responded with their own value meals and they've won some converts.

David Palmer of RBC Capital Markets lowered his expectations for the company because of the lack of excitement over the Dollar Menu, on top of a worsening picture for the entire industry.

Palmer wrote that McDonald's may have cannibalized its own sales with promotions for the Dollar Menu, pulling customers away from its popular breakfast foods. He also thinks the Dollar Menu doesn't have a "hero" item on it, something that will pull people into a McDonald's restaurant, rather than a Burger King or Taco Bell.

Palmer lowered his expectations for comparable-store sales by more than two-thirds, to 1%. Those sales, from restaurants that have been open for at least a year, are watched closely by industry analyst because they're a good barometer of the company's health.

Palmers said there are reasons that McDonald's can rebound, for reasons that are both internal and external, including recent, sweeping tax changes that put a little more money into the pockets of consumers.

While Palmer cut McDonald's Corp. price target to $170 from $190, he remains optimistic that the hamburger chain has time to make changes and reaccelerate same-store sales in the coming quarters. He expects fiscal stimulus from tax reform, improving wage growth, low unemployment and food-at-home inflation to bring more people into McDonald's restaurants in the remaining quarters.

Shares of McDonald's Corp., based just outside of Chicago in Oak Brook, Illinois, dropped to $146.84 in early trading, levels not seen since last summer.

McDonald’s flagship store at Park Street, which has been a witness to an eventful decade on the city’s food street, shuts down for good on Saturday.

The sprawling eatery opposite Flurys shuts down after the landlord, Park Street Properties (PSP), secured a favourable court order over a rent dispute with the lessees.

The once illuminated and bustling outlet wore a desolate look with its fancy interiors pulled down. The legal team of PSP inspected the outlet before closing it. One of the owners of PSP said their immediate plan was to restore the place before deciding what to do with it.

On Saturday afternoon, representatives of Dipak Singh and Sanjay Singh (of Munna Maharaj)  the lessees handed over the keys to the sprawling 3,500sqft outlet to the owners after removing all furniture and fittings.

The spat between PSP, owned by the Karnani family, and the Singhs (of the Munna Maharaj fame) has been in the court for the past few years. PSP had filed an eviction suit against Dipak Kumar Singh and Sanjay Singh in 2009-10.

PSP had filed an eviction suit against the lessees due to a dispute over the rent. They got a favourable order, which was challenged in the higher courts. But it was ultimately delivered in PSP’s favour.

CPRL, the Indian franchisee of McDonald’s, is locked in litigation with the American burger brand with the latter barring CPRL from using the brand, trademark and other intellectual properties.

All the five McDonald’s outlets in Kolkata and one in Howrah had been forced to shut before Christmas when Radhakrishna Foodland Pvt Ltd, the authorized supplier to McDonald’s in east and north India, discontinued the supply due to growing uncertainty.

Court representatives visited the Park Street eatery twice over the past six months to serve the court order, but the restaurant continued to operate as there was confusion over who will remove the furniture. PSP was unwilling to take responsibility of the furniture.

Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRPL), a McDonald's franchisee, told the Delhi High Court that the US fast-food giant's plea to stop it from using the brand name was an abuse of the process of law.

McDonald's has sought that CPRPL, a 50:50 joint venture of the US company and its estranged Indian partner Vikram Bakshi, be restrained from using its name as the franchise agreement with the Indian entity has been terminated.

CPRPL, on the other hand, told the high court that it has challenged the termination in the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) where it is pending consideration and hence the suit filed by McDonald's was an "abuse of the process of law".

The joint venture (JV) company also told the court that the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) had told the fast food giant not to interfere in the management of CPRPL, but this direction was being violated by McDonald's by writing to the suppliers not to supply food products and packaging to the franchisee restaurants.

CPRPL has alleged that by writing to the suppliers, McDonald's has interfered with the affairs of management and is therefore, in contempt of the NCLT direction.

Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw, before whom the proceedings in the civil suit are going on, listed the matter for further hearing on February 5.

The court on the last date of hearing had declined to pass an interim order restraining CPRPL from selling products under the name of McDonald's.

During the day's arguments, McDonald's told the court that a terminable agreement or contract cannot be enforced and the only remedy was to seek damages.

It also said that re-instatement of Bakshi as the Managing Director of CPRPL would not be a deterrent against termination of the franchise agreement.

Bakshi has been at loggerheads with the fast-food chain over the management of CPRPL after he was ousted from the post of MD of the McDonald's franchisee in August 2013. He had moved the NCLT following termination of the license by McDonald's.

McDonald's in its plea in the high court has contended that the franchisee restaurants were using products and packaging which did not measure up to its quality standards as different suppliers were being used.

The fast food company has sought orders restraining CPRPL and Bakshi from "duplicating the McDonald's system" which pertains to its food and packaging quality standards.

McDonald's Corp and a U.S. labour board are in talks to settle a case claiming the fast food company is liable for purported labour law violations by its franchisees, leading a judge on Friday to pause a trial that began in 2015.

Administrative Law Judge Lauren Esposito in Manhattan said that even though the trial is expected to wrap up as soon as next week, McDonald's, its franchisees, and the National Labour Relations Board's general counsel should have a chance to pursue a settlement.

The office of General Counsel Peter Robb, appointed by President Donald Trump and took office in November, requested the stay on Wednesday. The general counsel said a board decision released last month in a separate case that narrowed the definition of "joint employment" may have wiped out some of the claims against McDonald's.

McDonald's case had been seen as a test of when franchisors may be considered joint employers and required to bargain with unions or be held accountable for franchisees' labour practices.

"McDonald's USA is simply not a joint employer with its franchisees, and we are hopeful that this development will lead to a long overdue and successful resolution of the pending cases” Shared McDonald's spokeswoman Terri Hickey.

Adriana Alvarez, a McDonald's employee in Chicago and an organizer with SEIU affiliate Fight for $15, said in a statement that McDonald's had illegally harassed and fired workers who pushed for higher wages. She said pausing the trial amounted to "a get-out-of-jail-free card" for the company.

Even as restaurants gear up for record business during the festive season, the cash registers at burger and fries major McDonald’s will be eerily silent through Chirstmas and New Year as all six outlets in the city have downed shutters.

While store managers said they had run out of stock after supplies ceased a week ago, industry sources believe it is fallout of the acrimonious battle between the American fast food giant and the estranged Indian joint venture partner Vikram Bakshi, who controls the restaurants in north and east India. The franchisee had earlier shut 43 outlets in Delhi and adjoining areas after the eating house’s licence expired.

In Kolkata, restaurants continued to function despite McDonald’s barring franchisee Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd (CPRL) from using the brand, trademark and other intellectual properties in September. McDonald’s also told its suppliers that it had cancelled the franchisee agreement but they had not stopped supplies as they had pacts with CPRL.

Manager of One restaurant said “We have a central kitchen in Delhi NCR and national vendors supply to us through a distributor. Nothing is sourced locally. At the restaurants, too, we maintain a stock in the refrigerator but that can last only a few days at most. We have now run out of all stock.”

One of McDonald’s Employee said “We have been told that supplies will resume in eight to 10 days but we don’t see how that will happen as one cannot just pick up any bun and any patty and put them together to claim it is a McDonald’s burger.”

National company Law Tribunal (NCLT) on Monday adjourned the hearing of plea filed against fast food major McDonald’s and its Indian Partner Vikram bakshi.

During the proceeding, lawyer of McDonalds informed that the Delhi High Court on October 25 would hear a petition in which it has challenged the show cause notice for contempt issue by the tribunal.

NCLT bench headed by Chairman Justice MM Kumar adjourned the matter to November 7.

MIPL, a subsidiary of McDonald’s had filed a writ petition before the High Court questioning the validity of the contempt notice issued by the NCLT against it. On September 5, NCLT had issued show cause notice to fast food major McDonald’s and McDonald’s India over the contempt plea filed by Bakshi.

Vikram Bakshi had alleged that by terminating its licence the US- based food giant has violated the NCLT order dated July 13 which reinstated him as the managing director of CPRL and also refrained McDonald’s Corporation to interfere in the functioning of CPRL.

Vikram Bakshi on Tuesday said that 18 out of the 43 outlets of McDonald’s have reopened in Delhi.

The burger chain has closed outlets since June due to expiry of eating house licences.

The development follows a decision by the board of Connaught Plaza Restaurants Ltd, which passed a resolution on September 17 to reopen 21 outlets for which health licences have since been received, shared Bakshi McDonald’s estranged partner in a statement.

“This decision has been taken by the board of CPRL, chaired by NCLT appointed administrator Justice G S Singhvi, in the best interest of employees, vendors, landlords and all stakeholders,” added Bakshi.

When contacted, McDonald's India said: "Consequent on the termination of the franchise agreements of 169 McDonald's restaurants operated by CPRL in the North and East of India, effective September 6, CPRL is required to cease using the McDonald's System and is no longer authorised to operate McDonald's restaurants."

The company further said: "We will continue to take steps to exercise our legal and contractual rights."

In June, 43 outlets operated by CPRL were closed after the expiry of eating house licence.

Bakshi and McDonald's India have been fighting it out at courts over termination of franchise licence by the US-based fast food chain last month.

McDonald's estranged partner Vikram Bakshi has claimed that 126 outlets in north and east India still continue to operate fully even as the US-based fast food chain said it was taking action to enforce cancellation of its franchise licence.

The group is still operating the outlets in Gurugram, Kolkata, Durgapur and Lucknow operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurant Ltd (CPRL).

"Apart from the 43 outlets that are shut for some time, the remaining are open and operating,” shared Bakshi.

There has been uncertainty over the fate of McDonald's outlets operated by CPRL after McDonald's India sent a termination of notice to CPRL last month. McDonald's India had given time till September 5 to CPRL to operate, post which it said the franchise was barred from using McDonald's brand, trademark, and its associated intellectual property, among others.

CPRL runs a total of 169 outlets in north and east India, out of which 43 were shut down in June after expiry of eating house license.

Burger and fries chain, McDonald’s India said the licences of a number of its restaurants in Delhi have expired and that the franchisee that operated the facilities is working to obtain the permits back.

Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt Ltd (CPRL), McDonald’s licensee in North and East India, has suspended operations of the restaurants that have lost the eating house licences, the company said in a statement.

Barry Sum, spokesperson, McDonald’s India Private Ltd (MIPL), said, "But the development won’t affect any jobs."

He said, "We understand that CPRL is retaining the employees of affected restaurants and will pay them their salary during the period of suspension."

The company said McDonald’s is committed to ensuring that its restaurants operate in full compliance with its standards and applicable regulations.

The company in a statement said, "While there are ongoing legal disputes, suspending the operations of the restaurants is a collective decision of the CPRL board of directors."

CPRL is an equally owned joint venture between Vikram Bakshi and MIPL.

While there were administrative issues between the two sides, matters turned ugly in 2013 when McDonald’s India removed Bakshi as the managing director of the joint venture, on allegations of serious misconduct and financial irregularities.

Bakshi dragged the MIPL to the Company Law Board and the legal battle over ownership and settlement is still continuing.