Right mix of takeaways is good for Inverness city centre
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Staff at McDonald’s drive-throughs were expecting queues when they were allowed to reopen after the coronavirus lockdown restrictions were eased – but they were not expecting such a high number of vehicles.
The burger chain reopened for drive-through takeaways in June and recently reopened indoor areas once it was sure safety measures were right and in place.
Craig Duncan – who owns nine franchises across the Highlands and is about to open a 10th in Fraserburgh later this month – said he had to work out a traffic management plan in Elgin because of the demand. He said: “It was extraordinarily busy.”
He said customers were queuing for around an hour-and-a-half on the first day and it was important that the situation was managed correctly. He added: “It was a treat for the customers to see McDonald’s open again.”
Mr Duncan, who is a former Inverness BID chairman and current BID director, has been with the firm for 30 years and bought his first two franchises in 2007 – in Inverness High Street and Fort William.
He said they reopened the High Street outlet in August once there were more shops open and the furlough scheme had meant he had been able to keep everyone employed.
Mr Duncan said a good mix of takeaway businesses – including independents, specialists and multiples like McDonald’s – were important for the city centre and added: “I bring in footfall because I am a multiple but they also go to the specialist cafés and shops.
“We have got to have the two things balanced. It needs to be a bit of everything.”
He said customers should feel safe to return to the city centre because of the safety measures which were in place – at McDonald’s all staff are temperature checked and they are asked to sign a disclaimer that they have no coronavirus symptoms.
In addition, they are operating social distancing in the kitchen and he described each table as being like a cubicle, with all the screens which have been installed.
He said: “If you come to my restaurant you will be met by a member of staff, usually the manager, and we do track and trace at the door.”
Mr Duncan said major projects, such as turning Inverness Castle into a tourist attraction, were good for the future health of the city centre.
He said: “The fact the project is continuing – that will bring more people in.”
