MCDONALDS looks to be testing out a new type of restaurant format, opening up its first ever “on the go” burger joint in Los Angeles.
The new restaurant was first uncovered by fans, after a popular X account named McFranchinsee published pictures of it.
McDonald’s is testing out a new “on the go” franchise in LA[/caption]
The account described the new restaurant as “Drive thru focused” with “no lobby, mobile pickup window” and with McDelivery lockers.
According to restaurant publication Restaurant Business Online, the “On the Go” location is the first of its kind for California.
The publication said it is a test location tailored for digital and drive-thru orders.
The major innovation is a group of food lockers exclusively for delivery orders.
Meanwhile drive thru orders can be picked up via a separate window.
There is no traditional lobby.
FANS RESPOND
The X user McFranchinsee said the lockers were “a big deal because they have not been approved for the US system, despite international markets having them”.
They noted they were “a huge fan”.
“It’s interesting they have a separate pickup window for mobile orders vs just including them in lockers with delivery orders,” the account said.
“I love the innovation, there are some sites this would work very well at.”
Restaurant Business Online said it was the second time the burger giant has opened a drive-thru focused prototype in the US.
The company opened a digital focused location in Fort Worth, Texas in 2022.
Fans suspect the drive thru focused locations could enable to franchise to open more restaurants in locations where real estate is expensive.
THE RISE OF TAKE-OUT
The new locations come as diners change their consumption habits, with many opting for take away or on the go options making dining rooms less important.
Many other chains are testing drive thru only including Chick-fil-A, Burger King and Taco Bell.
One X user said the concept was “fascinating” and that they had seen it done in Korea.
One fan called Dollar Bill it would work well “in some areas” but would “ruin the experience” for them.
The U.S. Sun reports on all things restaurants and dining, including new items and franchisee closures.
The U.S. Sun recently reported how McDonald’s set social media alight after it teased the return of snack wraps in 2025.
The U.S. Sun also reported outrage after McDonald’s refused to bring back the ‘original’ version of the snack wrap.
The item was discontinued in 2016 but remained available at select locations nationwide until 2020, depending on decisions from individual franchise owners.
Fast Food meal deals
Here are some of the current value meals offered by popular fast food joints.
Taco Bell’s $7 Luxe Cravings Box:
- Chalupa Supreme
- Beefy Five-Layer Burrito
- Double Stacked Taco
- Chips and nacho cheese sauce
- Medium drink
McDonald’s $5 Meal Deal:
- McDouble or McChicken sandwich
- Four-piece Chicken McNuggets
- Small fries
- Small soft drink
Wendy’s $5 Biggie Bag:
- Junior Bacon Cheeseburger or Crispy Chicken Sandwich
- Four-piece chicken nuggets
- Junior fries
- Small soft drink
Burger King’s $5 Your Way Meal:
- Whopper Junior, Chicken Junior, or Bacon Cheeseburger
- Fries
- Four-piece chicken nuggets
- Soft drink
