Milton Keynes bucks the trend as major food brands continue to invest in our city

    The coronavirus pandemic has left many businesses struggling financially with some having to close sites to save funds.

    Aside from global lockdowns, more people are using takeaway and delivery services which in turn has had an impact on the hospitality industry. 

    And it has been reported that some restaurant chains are now downsizing or completely closing stores in the US to cut costs. 

    Investing.com says that McDonald's is expected to close over 500 branches in the US as the fast food giant reconfigures its business model. 

    Tim Hortons, a Canadian fast-food chain, has also closed 36 branches in the states. And Taco Bell will be closing an unconfirmed number of branches in the following months with at least six having closed already. 

    Despite these closures, it seems here in Milton Keynes we are bucking the trend with these three fast food chains expected to open stores in Milton Keynes soon.

    Taco Bell will be the next addition to the local food scene with its Central Milton Keynes 45-seat restaurant opening next Tuesday (20/10). 

    The restaurant, which will be the 48th Taco Bell to open in the UK, is located at Portway, Eldergate opposite Burger King.

    And construction has started on the brand new Tim Hortons drive-thru at the Kingston Centre. The brand famed for its signature coffee, donuts and Canadian charm will open its doors and serve fan favourites later this year.

    Councillors also gave the go ahead for a new McDonald's (and Costa) in Linford Wood back in January. McDonald's later submitted some small amendments to the plans which were given the rubber stamp by Milton Keynes Council officials. It is not known when construction will begin on the site. 

    In other news, planning applications have recently been lodged with the council for a total of three new drive-thru restaurants at Stadium MK in Bletchley. There is currently a McDonald's and KFC on site but developers want to bring the total number of drive-thru outlets to five. 

    One site, on a car park north of McDonald’s, would be for a coffee shop, while the other bigger site south of KFC, has been earmarked for two drive-thru restaurants.

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