Fine Dining at McDonalds Warilla on Valentine's Day

The concept of table service for couples wanting to share the McLove on February 14 was so popular last year the restaurant kept booking out and ended up doing three seatings.

Glenn and Katia Dwarte have a reputation in the international restaurant chain for being a little bit fancy in trying new things and breaking new ground.

They were responsible for fine dining and table service with cutlery being introduced in restaurants across Australia after trialing it at Warilla.

That was such a success the Shellharbour business couple were then the inspiration for the Create Your Own Burger kiosks that have been rolled out across the nation.

The Dwartes have won every major award McDonalds has and have been recognised in the region for their commitment to the community.

Their latest concept is about helping people enjoy an affordable night out on Valentine’s Day.

Mr Dwarte said they learned a lot in 2015 and were offering more choice this Valentine’s Day.

And there are a few surprises in store.

Manager John Dwarte is planning a stylish entry to the Valentine’s Day themed section of the restaurant with solar lights in the garden and a marquee. He is putting on eight additional staff and the waiters will be suitably dressed for the occasion.

Mrs Dwarte is preparing to be the maitre’d but is not giving anything away about what she is going to wear.

“It is a secret but I will definitely dress to impress,” she said.

In 2015 there was a rose for every lady and they even had two same sex couples attend.

“We had an overwhelming response last year,” Mrs Dwarte said.

“We were originally only going to run one sitting. We ended up running three. We are going to do it bigger and better this year. We have a fancier menu. It is a set menu with two courses ($20) which includes a coffee or drink, or three courses ($25) which includes an entree. We have gone for two sittings this year because we don’t want to rush people. Not everyone can enjoy a five star restaurant experience but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on a Valentine’s Day experience. Last year one of the couples came because this was where they met.”

Mr Dwarte said seeing 2016 was a leap year so he was hoping there might be at least a couple of proposals.

“You never know out of a proposal could come the first wedding at a McDonalds store anywhere in Australia,” Mr Dwarte said.