Avatar photo

By Lineo Lesemane

Digital Lifestyle Journalist


‘Disaster looming’ – Shimza on McDonald’s fully automated restaurant

McDonald's has opened its first fully automated restaurant in Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, Texas.


Shimza and other social media users have shared their concerns following reports that McDonald’s has opened its first fully automated restaurant.

The fast food chain’s new “test” restaurant was recently opened in Texas, USA. Senior Director of Global Design & Restaurant Development at McDonald’s, Max Carmona, shared in a statement that the company is finding new and innovative ways to serve customers more effectively.

“As our customers’ needs continue to change, we are committed to finding new ways to serve them faster and easier than ever before.”

The test restaurant is designed for people on the move and is said to be smaller than the regular McDonald’s restaurant.

“Inside the restaurant, there’s a delivery pick-up room for couriers to retrieve orders quickly and conveniently. There are also kiosks, where customers can place their orders to go, and a pick-up shelf for orders,” the statement highlights.

ALSO READ: Recipe of the day: Three tasty autumn meals with wine pairing suggestions

‘Disaster looming’

Reacting to McDonald’s move, Shimza pointed that many people are going to lose their jobs as the competitors in the market are most likely going to take the same route.

“Sad thing is that McDonald’s will be able to sell its burgers for cheaper because it does not have labour costs then everyone leaves the other restaurants for cheaper burgers at McDonald’s.

“Everyone else will have to go this route because you have to be competitive even at price level because of how the world economy is right now, disaster looming 🙆🏾‍♂️”

Another social media user said: “Capitalism is insensitive to realities of the down trodden. The consumers of the robot produced burgers need jobs. We are not ready to take such innovations to scale”.

McDonald’s growth strategy

Keith Vanecek, the franchisee operating the test restaurant, explained that the restaurant is just a “test-and-learn” project for now. He added that he hopes the concept will benefit restaurant teams and customers worldwide.

“We’re always innovating to improve our customer experience, no matter how they want to order or receive their food.

“I am immensely proud to have this new restaurant concept serving our customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex,” Keith said as quoted in the statement.

NOW READ: Miss SA competition sparks bullying and mental health concerns

Read more on these topics

McDonalds Twitter

Access premium news and stories

Access to the top content, vouchers and other member only benefits