The new McDonald's, which has divided local opinion, is opening its latest restaurant in Cheltenham — replacing the former TGI Fridays.
Back in October 2024, the American-style diner franchise, TGI Fridays, was sent into administration despite a rescue deal, with 35 UK restaurants closing with immediate effect — including its Cheltenham and Gloucester Quays branches.
In line with the fast food giant's plans for a £1 billion investment and an anticipated 200 new UK and Ireland sites over the next four years, Cheltenham Borough Council has granted permission for the change of use of the site, becoming a flexible restaurant/cafe and/or hot food takeaway but is still considering other applications submitted regarding works to be carried out on the building.
Despite 15 schools and a college in the area having signed an open letter objecting to the chain, a McDonald's spokesperson said they will 'address any concerns'.
Once launched, the new Golden Arches site will create 120 jobs, joining its High Street and out-of-town drive-through off Tewkesbury Road at the Kingsditch Retail Park — bringing the total of McDonald's restaurants in Cheltenham to three.
While an official opening date for Cheltenham’s latest McDonald's has not yet been announced, local diners can expect all of its fan favourites including the Big Mac, McPlant, McNuggets, cheeseburgers, McFlurries, milkshakes and fries.
Work on the new restaurant has begun, with the venue scheduled to open to the public by summer 2025, with more information to follow.
