McDonald’s South Melbourne outlet to trial home delivery

KAREN COLLIER
JULY 17, 2014
HERALD SUN
MCDONALD’S home delivery could soon be lobbing on your front door step.
The fast food giant is about to trial McDelivery in Victoria, prompting concerns from a health campaigner.
Its South Melbourne outlet will test customers’ appetite for the service by late next month. Other locations are expected to follow.
Customers will have to place a minimum $25 order through the Menulog website and pay a $4.95 delivery fee.
Deliveries will operate Sunday to Thursday from 5pm-11pm, and Friday and Saturday from 5pm-10am the next morning.
WOULD YOU HAVE MCDONALD’S HOME DELIVERED? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW
The service will cater to areas within a 2.5km radius including South Melbourne, Port Melbourne, Albert Park, South Wharf and Docklands.
McDelivery is already being tested at two Sydney locations, with another five to soon be added.
“Australians have enjoyed the convenience of restaurant home delivery for decades and our customers have told us they like the idea of Macca’s delivery,” spokeswoman Skye Oxenham-Lupul said.
“We will look to extend the service once these trials are completed.”
Obesity Policy Coalition executive manager Jane Martin was worried about consumers getting even easier access to unhealthy food.
“The concern is it creates even more convenience. It’s expanding the market at a time when people are already eating poorly, particularly young men who consume large amounts of chips and burgers,” Ms Martin said.
Ash Naulty, 25, said he was keen on the idea and surprised it had taken so long.
“I’d definitely use it, especially in winter when you don’t want to get out of the house. It’s common at all types of fast food places overseas,” he said.
McDonald’s said it chose South Melbourne because of the area’s population growth and customer demand.
Most of the standard menu, including Big Macs, french fries and healthier salads and wraps, will be available.
Sydney customers have given mixed reviews on Menulog, with some happy and others alleging long waits or soggy items.
karen.collier@news.com.au