McDonald's Corp. and its franchise owners plan to spend $126 million to modernize 170 locations in Washington state by adding digital self-order kiosks and remodeling interiors and exteriors. "This is an exciting time for McDonald's and we're proud to be investing nearly $126 million to provide a new experience, look and feel for guests at 170 McDonald's locations across Washington state," said Alan Finkelstein, a Seattle-area McDonald's owner and operator. "We are also pleased that our modernization supports local architecture, engineering and construction jobs across the Evergreen State."
The investment in Washington is part of the fast-food company's plan to spend $6 billion to modernize most U.S. restaurants by 2020 to keep up with Starbucks and other competitors like Shake Shack that are increasingly popular with young customers.
McDonald's has already introduced self-order and self-pay kiosks in some restaurants in Washington and has been providing table service and curbside pick-up through mobile order and pay.
McDonald's also has introduced McDelivery with Uber Eats at more than 5,000 U.S. restaurants.
The new investments will expand these services to most restaurants in Washington state. McDonald's says the upgrades also will include modernized dining rooms with globally and locally inspired decor, new furniture and new exterior designs, designated parking spots for curbside pick-up through mobile order and pay, expanded McCafe counters and larger display cases.
"McDonald's has been a leader in Washington through its ongoing investment in restauranf construction, guest experience and its employees," Washington State House Majority Leader Pat Sullivan, D-Covington, said in a statement.