McDonald's tests diners in USA

McDonald's is testing its version of the traditional diner in the USA offering table service and full meals.

As well as its usual fast food, the "McDonald's with the Diner Inside" serves items such as pancakes, sandwiches, salads, meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

There is a no-tipping policy for table service, and customers can order by phones at their table.

The chain began quietly testing the concept last year with its first Diner Inside in Indiana. This summer it added three more in Indiana, and four will open in Kentucky this year.

McDonald's will advertise the diner on local TV before deciding whether to expand it elsewhere, chief executive Jack Greenberg said last week.

The move comes as it scales down openings of traditional restaurants to focus instead on a massive refurbishment programme in the USA. McDonald's recently cut its full-year earnings outlook and launched a nationwide menu offering eight items at a dollar each.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 3-9 October 2002