McDonald’s plans upgrades at Indiana restaurants
McDonald’s Corp. and its franchisees plan to spend about $168 million to renovate and modernize 270 restaurants in Indiana before the end of next year, the company announced Tuesday.
According to McDonald’s, the transformed restaurants are expected to feature:
- Modernized dining rooms with globally and locally inspired decor, new furniture and refreshed exterior designs;
- Digital self-order kiosks;
- Remodeled counters to allow for new table service;
- Digital menu boards inside and at the drive-through;
- New designated parking spots for curbside pick-up through mobile order and pay;
- Expanded McCafe counters and larger display cases.
McDonald’s said it has about 160 restaurants in central Indiana and has already updated about half of them.
Overall in Indiana, the company has 351 restaurants with 70 owner/operators.
Steak n Shake offering ‘franchise partnerships’
Indianapolis-based Steak n Shake announced a plan Monday to dramatically change its franchising model.
The company said it wants to convert company-operated restaurants into single-unit franchisee-operated restaurants by offering “franchise partnerships” for $10,000 each.
The Steak n Shake chain consists of about 415 company-owned and 201 franchised locations. Under the new franchising plan, “franchise partners” will be able to pay an initial fee of $10,000 to take over full-time operation of an existing corporate-owned restaurant.
Steak n Shake said those interested individuals must be free of other active business ventures and successfully complete an extensive six-month training program.
“I started my company with $15,000 and built a thriving enterprise,” said Sardar Biglari, CEO of Biglari Holdings, the parent of Steak n Shake, in a written statement.
“I want to provide an opportunity to other entrepreneurs who are highly motivated to excel but lack the financial means. What will be important to become a franchisee is not great capital but great ability. We are seeking to harness the power of entrepreneurs and to create a company of owners.”
