McDonald's unveils free iPads for customers (but nailed down, of course)
McDonald’s has always been known for its Big Macs and fries, but now one fast food eatery in Virginia is offering its customers something that doesn’t come deep fried and slathered with ketchup: free access to iPads with their meal.
The newly opened McDonlad’s franchise location in Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, had five of the pricey Apple tablets installed at four tables on white stands, one of which holds two screens back-to-back.
Diners who stop by for a Happy Meal or a McChicken sandwich off the Dollar Menu can now check their Facebook page, play a game or shop online using the high-tech device which retails for $499 and above.
They're lovin' it: A McDonald's eatery in Virgina Beach had five iPads installed for patrons to use free of charge as they eat
Setup: The Apple tablets were placed at four tables on white stands, one of which holds two screens back-to-back
‘It's a great idea to stay relevant, especially to a new generation,’ restaurant owner Hugh Fard told the Virginian-Pilot. ‘People like to multitask, so why not provide that element for them?’
Fard, 52, opened the eatery located on Lynnhaen Parkway about a week ago, making it his 12th McDonald’s franchise in Virginia Beach.
Beside the high-tech upgrades, the eatery boasts a unique wallpaper design and a satellite radio that plays Frank Sinatra classics.
The businessman got the idea to install iPads at his newest fast-food joint after attending the annual McDonald’s convention in Florida. During the four-day event held in Orlando, came across a French company that had developed an iPad feature for more than a dozen eateries from Paris to Budapest, Hungary.
Multitasking: Diners can check their Facebook page, send emails or shop online while having a meal, but they cannot go on YouTube because it was blocked by the owner
Fard loved the idea of installing the gadgets in his new restaurant, but before he implement the plan, the franchise owner had to get the green light from McDonald’s headquarters, which took several months.
With the permission secured, Fard leased five iPads from the French company’s local contractor, which maintains them and will replace the devices if any are stolen.
The businessman customized the iPads to fit the local family-friendly environment, blocking the YouTube site to prevent his patrons from watching inappropriate or pornographic content in full view of other diners.
Expansion: Owner Hugh Fard opened the eatery in Hampton Roads a week ago, making it his 12th McDonald's franchise in Virginia Beach
Test subject: McDonald's is expected to monitor the iPad program at the Virginia Beach location for several months before deciding whether or not to expand it
The introduction of the iPads to the Virginia Beach McDonald’s is in line with the fast food giant’s efforts to update and modernize its image.
Over the past decade, the company has been overhauling the look of its restaurants and adding more health-conscious and sophisticated meal choices in an effort to appeal to its customers, who want better food at reasonable prices.
McDonald’s has not expressed immediate interest in expanding the iPad program to more locations. The company will monitor the initiative at the Virginia Beach eatery for up to eight months to see if it’s successful, and then decide whether or not to roll out the iPads elsewhere.
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