The first McDonald’s Opens in Valledupar, Colombia

A few days ago, the American fast-food giant McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in Colombia in Valledupar, the capital of vallenato music. The news was received with joy by the population as it represents foreign investment in the city, providing 100 formal job positions for young people in the region.

Employment Opportunities

The opening of the business, located at the María Mulata roundabout in the capital of Cesar, is a job opportunity for a department that lacks employment opportunities in companies of the caliber of McDonald’s.

“It is very significant to know that 100 jobs have been generated, which contribute to improving the employment figures in the municipality, but more importantly, this group of employees has exciting stories of young people who are examples in their families and who, through their employment, are improving their current life situation, contributing to society through the service of a globally recognized product,” said Valledupar Mayor Mello Castro González.

Arcos Dorados is the company that operates the McDonald’s franchise. In fact, it is the largest independent franchisee of the American multinational. The company operates McDonald’s franchises in 20 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela. In this regard, Héctor Orozco, the brand’s general director, expressed his satisfaction with the opening of the establishment in Valledupar.

“We are thrilled to arrive in Valledupar, one of the main cities in the Colombian Caribbean, a place that symbolizes an important part of the country’s culture with its music, its joy, and its people. This opening reaffirms Arcos Dorados’ commitment to generating first-time employment for young people and the development of the country,” Orozco said in reference to the new McDonald’s location in Colombia.

430 Square Meters of Indoor Space and Outdoor Terrace

The McDonald’s establishment is located in a two-story building and has a 430-square-meter indoor space with an additional 20-square-meter outdoor terrace. It is designed for enjoyment of the region’s climate.

The Valledupar McDonald’s restaurant will offer dessert service, McDelivery, McCafé, and a double-lane McAuto for cars, bicycles, or any other wheeled vehicle. Additionally, the space features a children’s play area.

Over the past weekend, the first days the restaurant was in operation, it attracted crowds and long lines of citizens in the streets around the María Mulata roundabout, where the popular fast-food chain is located.

Restaurant 2.0

The restaurant is part of the 2.0 Experiences, known as smart restaurants. They use online ordering systems and mobile apps to make the ordering process easier and faster for customers.

These types of businesses also use artificial intelligence and augmented reality to enhance user experiences. Furthermore, the establishment regulates energy consumption and recycles the water from air conditioners for sanitary use and floor cleaning.