MCDONALD’S Erindale is inviting locals to join in celebrations on Saturday September 19 as they host the Grand Opening of their brand new restaurant which they say features Canberra’s first burger bar.

After 21 years the new restaurant is a stark contrast to its former 90s self, with a slick new look and the introduction of table service and interactive digital screens that was seven months in the making.

Beginning at 10am with the official ribbon cutting, a Family Fun Day will continue from 11am – 3pm and provide entertainment for the whole family including a live broadcast from Mix 106, jumping castle, face painting and balloon sculpting. A special guest appearance will also be made by Ronald and friends from 1pm.

The new restaurant’s burger bar, designed so that each step of the burger making process is visible, brings the kitchen out in to the dining room and gives customers a new in-restaurant experience. Local families will be catered for with state-of-the-art features including digital play screens, an indoor Playland area for children, WiFi, a new look and feel McCafé and increased family amenities.

Ben Stockbridge, McDonald’s Erindale Licensee, has said that the new restaurant has been able to tap into technology to enhance customer experience, a big change from the 90s vintage restaurant.

“The old and new restaurants are in such stark contrast to one another, there simply isn’t any comparison. We are hoping locals will really enjoy the improvement in our restaurant facilities, as well as our new table service offering.

“I’m sure 21 years ago, Macca’s would never have dreamed of being able to serve personally customised burgers, ordered on digital kiosks, cooked in front of customers and then delivered to their table by wait staff – but that is what Aussies have asked for now, and it is something we want to deliver.”

The new restaurant represents an investment of over $5 million and has provided new employment opportunities of at least 40 local residents.