A new report commissioned by McDonald’s claims the fast food giant contributed £322 million to the north’s economy last year.
The research, carried out by UK planning and development consultancy Lichfields, suggests around 6,625 jobs are supported by McDonald’s Northern Ireland operation.
The study also found the restaurant group spent £183.9m with supply chain businesses in the north during 2023, and £10.3m in the expansion and business improvements of its restaurant portfolio.
The fast food giant now has 34 outlets in Northern Ireland, operated by eight local franchisees.
One local franchisee Paddy Cusack, who owns the McDonald’s restaurants in Antrim, Ballymena and Larne, said: “Over the past 30 plus years in Northern Ireland, McDonald’s has demonstrated its commitment to serving excellent, high-quality food made from locally sourced produce through longstanding relationships with supply chain partners such as Kerry Group, Moy Park and Dawn Meats.
“We are committed to our suppliers, evidenced by our economic contribution to local supply chain businesses, who play a key role in producing some of our most iconic menu items, as well as building brand trust in the quality of McDonald’s food provenance.
“From local farmers and producers, the food we serve is produced to an exceptionally high standard by suppliers that are based on our doorstep here in Northern Ireland.”
