A Dundee-based McDonald’s franchise business now employs more than 500 staff after purchasing its fourth restaurant.
Elm Restaurants, which is owned by franchise entrepreneur Nick McPartland, acquired McDonald’s in Forfar after securing a seven-figure funding package.
Mr McPartland’s portfolio also includes McDonald’s branches in Dundee, Arbroath and Monifieth.
The purchase follows a record period of performance for the Forfar site and an increase in staff from 96 to 135 over the last six months.
Mr McPartland also used the loan from HSBC to upgrade his Arbroath fast-food outlet by add a double drive-thru lane and 75 new indoor and outdoor seats.
He said: “We were thrilled to be able to purchase our new Forfar restaurant and improve the customer experience across all of our locations. HSBC UK’s support has been critical.
“We constantly strive to provide the best experience to our customers and the new drive-thru lane at our Arbroath restaurant was a natural step in making it as easy as possible for our customers to purchase a meal, ultimately driving an increase in sales.”
Elm Restaurants now employs 500 people across its four 24-hour McDonald’s restaurants.
The finance was allocated from HSBC UK’s national SME Fund, which aims to actively help UK businesses realise their ambitions for growth and navigate Brexit.
The new £14 billion SME Fund has recently been announced by HSBC UK, with £650 million committed to supporting SMEs in Scotland.
Susan Rowand, head of business banking in Scotland, HSBC UK said: “Nick is an experienced franchise entrepreneur who has a clear understanding of his customers and how best to serve the communities where he operates.
“We’re pleased to support ambitious Scottish businesses and look forward to seeing continued growth for Nick and his team.”
rmclaren@thecourier.co.uk