McDonald's is employing 154 more staff in the Illawarra as it launches a "create your own meal" concept that allows customers to build their own burgers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Kiosks in each restaurant will give people the option of a much broader range of 30 ingredients such as beetroot, pineapple, mushrooms, jalapenos, a choice of buns, including a lettuce wrap, and a selection of cheeses and sauces.
Additional staff in the kitchen will then make them to order and they will be delivered to tables using a new wireless pager system with table locators that tell waiters where the person is sitting.
The idea originated from the first "fine dining" McDonald's experience in the world launched by Glenn and Katia Dwarte at McDonald's Warilla two years ago.
A regional trial 12 months later went so well McDonald's decided to broaden the idea and is rolling out the new kiosk ordering and table service system internationally.
"When I first started 37 years ago I had people come up to the counter and ask "can I have a hamburger with the lot"," Mrs Dwarte said.
"Now we do. And you are in control of what you have."
Mr Dwarte said $1.2 million was being spent on new equipment in the eight Illawarra stores. The first restaurant in the region to get the new system was McDonald's Fairy Meadow.
Some other stores launch on May 4, Warrawong launches on May 18 and Warilla on May 25.
All restaurants have spent recent weeks interviewing and training new staff.
Chicken options come in October and gourmet breakfast options are also being tested.