McDonald’s unveils 24-hour drive-thru service

McDonald’s Vietnam, franchised to the city’s Good Day Hospitality Company, announced on December 20 its first restaurant will be located at 2-6b Dien Bien Phu Street in District 1, at the intersection of Nguyen Binh Khiem. It will operate 24/7 and offer car and motorcycle drive-thru with a three minute per customer service plan.

Good Day Hospitality general manager Nguyen Huy Thinh said the two-storey standalone restaurant would include 350 seats, a total floor area over 1,300 square metres with parking for 16 cars and 250 motorcycles, a children’s play area and dedicated party and function rooms.

The grand opening day is not yet confirmed, but McDonald’s global executives are eager to see it happen as Vietnam is the global fast food chain’s newest market after its entrance into Pakistan 15 years ago, said Thinh.

He added that the world’s largest restaurant chain would introduce drive-thru as a new way for busy customers in Ho Chi Minh City to enjoy a McDonald’s meal on the go, without having to step into the restaurant.

When asked about total investment, Thinh said both sides – McDonald’s and Good Day Hospitality – were investing together, making it impossible to give an exact figure. In addition, McDonald’s is keeping its Vietnam menu and prices secret until the last minute. He did disclose, however, that target customers were those of all classes and “prices would be a surprise.”

McDonald’s Big Mac will be there, together with other typical products, Thinh said, adding that it would gradually introduce localised dishes based on market response.

In August 2012, McDonald’s senior officials visited Vietnam and said the company hoped to enter the market with two restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City with eventual expansion to 100 restaurants nationwide.

McDonald’s Vietnam said the expansion timeline was flexible and would follow the market.