McDonald’s opens world first at Sydney Airport

McDonalds_Sydney Airport T1_Landini Associates_Trevor Mein_01Global fast food chain McDonald’s opened with a new look at Sydney International Airport.

Designed by Landini Associates, the new store has some world first technology for McDonald’s, showcasing a variety of new designs.

Unlike many other McDonald’s locations across the country the Sydney Airport store has been designed with the kitchen above the counter, meaning that items need to be delivered down to the ground level once ordered.

Landini said the brief was visually stimulating but structurally complex, necessitating a transporter system that could carry products to customers below the kitchen quickly and without causing chaos.

McDonalds Sydney International Airport, Terminal 1 Video: James Adams

The technology interfaces with McDonald’s kiosk ordering technology to deliver a smooth experience for both customers and workers.

Kitchen staff attach bags to the system, which then transport orders downstairs to those working at the register.

McDonaldsSIA
Photo: Trevor Mein

McDonald’s Australia senior development director, Josh Bannister, said that the team had to get creative with the store design as they were working with limited space.

“The new Sydney Airport restaurant is unique for McDonald’s in Australia. Working with limited space, we needed to be creative in how we designed the restaurant to present our customers with the best possible dining experience,” he said.

But he said McDonald’s focus on freestanding Drive-Thru’s would not change.

“Although we’re always open to exploring different opportunities, our focus remains on freestanding restaurants with a Drive-Thru,” he said.

McDonald’s is working to redesign its store footprint around the world to keep up with evolving consumer tastes and stay relevant as food courts around the world undertake extensive development.

A flagship store in Hong Kong, as well as a recently redesigned headquarters and a McDonald’s in Chicago (still under construction) are recent accomplishments.

Landini has also been brought on to work on new flagship sites in Times Square, New York and Oxford St, London as the fast food giant steps up its investment in innovation.

SydneySIA2
Photo: Trevor Mein

Access exclusive analysis, locked news and reports with Inside Retail Weekly. Subscribe today and get our premium print publication delivered to your door every week.

 

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.