KFC, McDonald's, Beefeater to create over 100 jobs

Buy photos » How the new McDonald's side-by-side drive thru could look. (s)

MORE than 100 new jobs are to be created in Redditch by two fast food giants and a national pub chain.

KFC has announced plans to open its new store, currently being built on Clews Road in Oakenshaw, on March 25.

The new drive-thru restaurant will create about 45 full and part-time jobs and will be able to operate between 6am and midnight Sunday to Thursday and from 6am until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. The company's existing restaurant on Trafford Retail Park will remain open.

A spokesman for KFC said: "We’re looking forward to being part of the community and welcoming local residents into the restaurant."

The date for the completion of the new Beefeater restaurant and Premier Inn hotel on Bordesley Lane, near the Abbey Stadium, has also been announced.

The development, which has cost over £5million , will open its doors on April 15, creating a total of 51 jobs.

The Premier Inn will boast 60 bedrooms, each catering for up two adults and two children.

Jemma Robinson, new openings general manager for Redditch said: “We are looking forward to bringing our new look Beefeater and Premier Inn to Redditch and can’t wait to welcome our guests in April."

McDonald's has also announced changes to its restaurant in Oakenshaw which will create five new jobs.

The company has applied for planning permission to demolish the storage area at the back of the store to create space for a new side-by-side drive-thru. It will allow more people to be served at peak times, reducing queues.

Franchisee Robert Holdcroft, who runs McDonald's restaurants in Redditch, said: "We have requested planning permission to introduce a side-by-side drive-thru as it will streamline the ordering process during peak times and improve our customers’ drive-thru experience.

"It will also enable us to offer five new jobs to local people with the benefits of training and development programmes, as well as the opportunity to gain nationally recognised qualifications."

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