McDonald’s has returned to the historic spot where it wrote the first chapter of its presence in Thessaloniki, reopening a restaurant at the junction of Egnatia and Agia Sofia streets, after a 13-year absence.
Premier Capital Hellas’ investment of approximately €1.5 million comes with the creation of 45 new jobs and further strengthens the company’s footprint in Northern Greece, bringing back one of the chain’s most recognizable landmarks to the city center.
At the same time, as stated in the relevant announcement of the company, it offers opportunities for training, professional development, and development to the members of its team. With the new restaurant, Premier Capital Hellas now employs over 280 workers in Thessaloniki.
The opening of the new restaurant has a special symbolic meaning, as it marks the return of McDonald’s to the exact same spot where it first opened on May 12, 1994. For almost two decades, the restaurant at the corner of Egnatia and Agia Sofia has been one of the most recognizable points of McDonald’s presence in Thessaloniki.
Thirteen years later, the same announcement points out that McDonald’s returns to this iconic spot with a new, modern restaurant, designed to meet the daily needs of the residents, workers, students, and visitors of the center of Thessaloniki.
The inauguration took place in the context of a special event for institutional representatives and partners, in the presence of Eion Dando, Economic Officer of the United States Consulate in Thessaloniki, Yiannis Papageorgiou, Representative of the Prime Minister’s Office in Thessaloniki, Georgios Dimarelos, Deputy Mayor for the Protection of Common Areas and Municipal Police and Archimandrite Gavriil (by name Georgi Karatotev), Professor of the Holy Painter’s Monastery of Mount Athos. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Vladimir Janevski, Managing Director of Premier Capital Hellas, Peter Hili, Chief Commercial Officer of Premier Capital, and Georgios Dimarelos, Deputy Mayor of the Protection of Common Areas and Municipal Police of the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
A new choice in the diverse gastronomic scene of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki has one of the most dynamic and eclectic culinary scenes in Greece, says the company, inextricably linked to the city’s culture, history, civilization and daily life. Recognizing this distinctive character, the new McDonald’s was designed to blend harmoniously into the commercial and social activity of the city center, offering an additional, internationally recognizable dining option, with an emphasis on quality, speed, convenience and a consistent service experience.
The return to this point reflects Premier Capital Hellas’ long-term confidence in the potential of Thessaloniki, as well as its commitment to responsible development, investment and job creation in Northern Greece.
Modern design and upgraded experience
The new restaurant is developed on two levels and introduces the modern McDonald’s ‘Ray Plus’ design concept, designed by the international design studio Landini Associates.
The concept combines modern minimal aesthetics, functionality and comfort, creating a bright and welcoming environment. The layout of the spaces has been designed with accessibility, convenience and efficient service to visitors in mind.
The experience is enhanced through digital elements and an impressive LED screen, which gives movement and dynamism to the space
At the same time, the restaurant’s digital services and modern operational infrastructure offer a reliable, fast, and consistently high-level experience in every visit, reflecting the energy and modern character of the center of Thessaloniki.
Vladimir Janevski, Managing Director of Premier Capital Hellas, said:
‘The return of McDonald’s under the management of Premier Capital Hellas, at the corner of Egnatia and Agia Sofia, has special symbolism for us. We are not just returning to a familiar address, but to a place connected to the history of McDonald’s in Thessaloniki and to the memories of many residents of the city. With an investment of approximately €1.5 million and the creation of 45 new jobs, we confirm our long-term confidence in Thessaloniki and Northern Greece. We know that the city has a strong and distinct culinary identity, which is why our ambition is to be one more choice for its people, with quality, consistency, friendly service and an experience that meets their expectations.’
Vladimir Janevski also thanked all the employees, partners and suppliers who contributed to the planning and completion of the new restaurant, giving special emphasis to the team that will take over its daily operation.
‘Behind every new restaurant is a group of people who invest time, energy and dedication. It’s our people who turn a business investment into a vibrant, everyday experience for our guests,’ he added.
35 years of McDonald’s in Greece
The new restaurant opens in a milestone year, as McDonald’s completes 35 years of presence in the Greek market. Since the first restaurant in Syntagma in 1991, McDonald’s has steadily developed its presence, investing in upgrading the network, in technology, in the guest experience and in the development of its people.
Since 2011, when Premier Capital took over as McDonald’s Developmental Licensee in Greece, an extensive network development and modernization program has been implemented. To date, the relevant investments have exceeded €53 million, with the network growing from 18 to 34 restaurants nationwide.
With the new restaurant in Agia Sofia, Premier Capital Hellas continues a responsible development path, investing in local employment, modern infrastructure and a dining experience that combines the global know-how of McDonald’s with the needs of each local market.