The McDonald’s Destination 2012 program is a national upgrade to existing restaurant locations.  EllisDon is undertaking the completion of 23 locations in Calgary sequentially between April and August, 2011.  The scope of the renovations may include any of the following:

1) Re-image / Re-model Complete Interior and Exterior Renovation

The locations will include a remodel of the front counter service and the installation of a self-serve beverage area along with the installation of the McCafe services, a full-service premium coffee bar.  Depending on the age of the restaurant and its last date of renovation, this could mean a complete overhaul of the inside, outside or both. McDonald’s feels that this will contemporize and differentiate their brand and increase their front counter capacity throughout.  

2) Drive Thru Optimization

The drive thru will be converted from ordering face to face to communicating your order through a speaker/order display system which will be built into the drive thru menu board. This will also include drive thru curb paving and lane spacing improvements that will enable the entry of capacity vehicles and allow for future growth including twin drive thru lanes in certain locations.

3) Production platform also known as “Made For You” line

Implementing the production platform will include a reconfiguration that will improve efficiency, enable capacity orders and future menu expansion.  Depending on the restaurant it may also include the relocation and optimization of grills, hoods, fryers or sinks to create more space and make the food preparation process more efficient.

One of the main challenges of this project is the allocation of resources to complete 23 locations in five months. At peak, the project will have six sites ongoing at the same time.  Restaurants are also required to remain open as much as possible (including the Drive Thru) during the renovation period, except for a short shut down for kitchen work.  EllisDon must take measures to protect the public, as well as avoid any dust or debris entering the occupied areas, to ensure that the dining experience is not compromised.