Fast-food entrepreneur expands empire after funding deal

A fast-food entrepreneur has expanded his Midlands portfolio following a new funding deal.

McDonald’s restaurant franchisee Douglas Wright has been provided with backing from Royal Bank of Scotland.

The funding has enabled him to relaunch his 250-seat restaurant in Solihull following a complete refit to benefit from innovative self-order kiosks as well as traditional table service. There are also interactive tablet computers on some of the restaurant tables for customers to use while they eat.

The move comes on the back of a period of significant growth for Wright Restaurants, which has seen it acquire two McDonald’s restaurants in Walsall – Rushall and Reedswood – in a transaction funded by the bank.

Mr Wright, chairman of the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Birmingham, is a long standing McDonald’s franchisee, setting up his first outlet in Lichfield in May 2003. Today his empire extends across the Midlands.

He said: “The new restaurant is outstanding and I am very excited about its opening and the continued growth of the business.

“I am delighted to be able to continue my investment across the region and create modern restaurants which embrace technology. The new look restaurant ensures that we continue to improve the customer experience and address the trend of customisation and personalisation that customers expect when ordering.”

Jas Sandhu, Relationship Director at Royal Bank of Scotland, said: “Douglas is a very successful franchisee. The refurbished restaurant in Solihull is fantastic.”