Wednesday, October 24, 2007 Fastfood chain opens 11th outlet in Cebu, mulls more
THE Cebuanos’ growing fondness for hamburgers and quick meals led international fastfood chain McDonald’s to open another outlet this year.
Located along Escario St., near the Cebu Provincial Capitol, the branch is the 11th among McDonald’s network of fastfood outlets in the province.
Last July, the fastfood chain opened an outlet at the Sykes Building in Panagdait, Mabolo in Cebu City.
“Opening another outlet in Cebu is a testament to how the Cebuanos have embraced McDonald’s,” said Melon Salazar, Mc-Donald’s vice president for restaurant operations group.
“With more doors to serve the Cebuanos, we can provide good and efficient service that is perfect for the on-the-go Filipino lifestyle,” she added.
Christian Eje, McDonald’s Cebu operations consultant, said Cebu’s growing appreciation for the brand, despite the mushrooming of other food outlets, was what spurred the decision to expand.
He said the Escario branch, like all the other outlets, is accessible to “people from all walks of life.”
“Maski naka-tsinelas welcome didto,” he added. (Even those wearing rubber slippers are welcomed there).
“We have also noted a significant increase in the migration of home-alone professionals from the province and the ever growing party night-owls,” said Grace Eje, McDonald’s operations consultant.
In line with this, McDonald’s opened 24-hour outlets at Cebu Sykes, Jones Ave., Fuente Osmeña and JY Square Mall, to carter to those who work at night as well as people who come looking for meals late at night.
Christian is optimistic that with the Cebuanos’ fast-paced lifestyle, more McDonald’s branches will open in the next two years. He refused to give details on future McDonald’s sites, however.
McDonald’s has more than 300 branches nationwide. In Cebu, its outlets can be found in Cebu City (Colon, Jones, Fuente Osmeña, JY Square Mall, Cebu South Road, SM City and Ayala Center Cebu), Cebu North Road and Lapu-Lapu City. (MMM)
