McDonald's Wins Bid for Eleven Foodservice Plazas on Massachusetts Turnpike -- $50 Million in Revenue Projected

McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) has won a competitive bid with the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority to begin operating eleven foodservice plazas on the Massachusetts Turnpike beginning January, 2001. The new turnpike business is expected to ring up approximately $50 million in annual sales. Previously, McDonald's had no sites on the turnpike.

"This kind of high profile, high volume business development is great news for McDonald's, our employees, franchisees and suppliers. We're excited about bringing McDonald's world-famous menu and in-demand convenience to millions of customers in New England, including commuters, tourists and everyone else who travels this busy highway," said Henry Gonzalez, McDonald's Northeast Division President.

McDonald's investment in the plazas will exceed $21 million in the next two years, and feature nine McDonald's restaurants on the turnpike.

"McDonald's agreement with the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority also gives us a great opportunity to expand our brand in this very competitive market," said John S. Lambrechts, Boston Regional Manager for McDonald's Corporation. "The eleven foodservice plazas, located between Boston and New York state, will create more than 800 new jobs and generate more than $50 million in annual revenue."

Some of the McDonald's restaurants on the turnpike will also test FAST LANE transponder technology in the restaurant drive-thru. "Transponders will allow our customers to pay for their favorite McDonald's food -- like the Big Mac and our French fries -- without leaving their car or using cash," said Lambrechts. "We expect this new technology will add to the fun and excitement of McDonald's by improving the speed and efficiency in our drive-thru service for on-the-go New England travelers."

McDonald's is the world's largest global foodservice retailer with more than 28,000 restaurants, serving nearly 43 million people each day in 119 countries. More than 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants around the world are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women. McDonald's has more than 500 restaurants throughout New England.

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SOURCE: McDonald's Corporation

Contact: William Whitman, 630-623-6745, or Diane Wiffin, 781-329-1450,
both of McDonald's Corporation