Visitors to the McDonald’s restaurant in downtown Columbus will have the option of using technology to place their orders starting at 5 a.m. Thursday as part of the changes being implemented across the country.
Customers who go inside the 611 Third St. location can expect to see personalized table service, expanded seating opportunities and the ability to self-customize their orders using two kiosks, franchise owner Andy Ball said. Renovations at the restaurant began Jan. 8 as part of a transition to McDonald’s Experience of the Future concept, which has been implemented at more than 1,000 restaurants across the country.
The new concept changes how guests are served, how they pay and how they will order, said Ball, who also operates McDonald’s restaurants in Trafalgar, Franklin and Brownstown. Feedback from customers has been positive about the renovated appearance inside the restaurant so far, he said.
“We’ve had overwhelming response about the new look and comfort of the new dining room,” Ball said. “The whole goal here is that our guests will find a more personable experience.”
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The two self-order touchscreen kiosks, which will accept orders on both sides, will also make it easier for customers to make their purchases, Ball said. Individuals will have the option of paying by credit card or with Apple Pay, although customers who want to pay with cash can print a ticket and bring it to the front counter, Ball said.
“We’re jumping in head-first with technology, but it’s not intimidating,” he said. “It’s not about ordering at the kiosk, it’s about the hospitality and the atmosphere of the restaurant.”
As part of the renovation work, the drive-thru at the Third Street location also was expected to get digital menu boards, but that improvement has been pushed back until April due to some delays, Ball said.
