McDonald's in Oakham has opened meaning Rutland is no longer the only county in the UK not to have a branch of the fast-food chain
It was the planning application that split the county but Rutland’s first McDonald’s is finally open for business.
Oakham mayor David Romney was invited to cut the ribbon and officially open the new fast-food restaurant today (Wednesday).
The drive-thru queue grew quickly and there was a steady flow of people opting to eat-in.
But it was a strange opening day for franchisee Glyn Pashley who had only 11 hours to welcome customers through the door before lockdown.
He said:“We are delighted to be opening in Oakham, making this restaurant the first in Rutland, and we’re so looking forward to seeing our new and existing local customers at the restaurant.
“We’d like to thank our customers in advance for their support and patience as we navigate and adapt to these different ways of working.
“We support the lockdown and will aim to deliver the best McDonald's experience we can as safely as possible."
The new McDonald’s is located at the junction of Hackamore Way and Lands’End Way. It includes a drive-thru which will be the only way customers can pick up a meal during lockdown.
Opinion was divided when planning permission was granted in January this year. Some people welcomed the jobs boost while others raised concerns about litter.
Rutland had been the only county in the UK not to have a branch of McDonald's.
Glyn said: "We have invested a lot into Oakham . I know there are concerns but I endeavour to be a good neighbour and want to help where we can."
He has already contacted three football teams about sponsorship and will be carrying out regular litter picks in the area.
The branch has already created 78 jobs and Glyn expects this to increase to 100 within 18 months.
Tazmin Mason, from Oakham, is among those to secure a position.
The 20-year-old was put onto a fast-track management course and has honed her skills at other Midlands branches.
Her parents, brother and grandparents were among the first customers.
Her grandmother Linda Neal said: "We wanted to come and support Tazmin on the opening day. I'm quite new to McDonald's but it's good to see it brining new jobs to the town."
Glyn runs 18 McDonald's franchises across the Midlands, having started in Rugby 20 years ago.
The company invested £3m in the Oakham branch.
He said: "I'm keen to encourage anyone who is looking for a career to get in touch. I'm sure a significant proportion of our new staff will go on to become managers."
