McDonald's drops Chicken McGrill, McAloo from menu; reopens 13 outlets
If you are a regular at McDonald's, we might have some terrible news for you. The US based fast food chain has decided to knock-off several items from its menu list after it reopened 13 stores in the Delhi-NCR region. This decision from McDonald's comes after it acquired Connaught Plaza Restaurants Private Limited (CPRL) from its estranged Indian partner Vikram Bakshi.
McAloo Wrap, Chicken McGrill, Egg Wrap, other items dropped
The popular fast-food chain has removed the McAloo Wrap, Chicken McGrill, Egg Wrap and Grilled Chicken Wrap from its menu indefinitely from the menu of the 13 reopened stores. McDonald's also eliminated the beverage Maaza, a fruit-based drink by Coca-Cola.
Removed items were 'least favorite'; have been eliminated permanently
Speaking about the new changes on the menu, Barry Sum, director of corporate relations for Asia at McDonald's told PTI, "To ensure a more consistent McDonald's India experience across the different regions, we have permanently removed some of the least popular items including the McAloo Wrap, Chicken McGrill, Egg Wrap, Gilled Chicken Wrap, and Maaza beverage." "The rest of the menu remains the same."
Tray mats, menu boards, packaging will also be redesigned
Sum also stated that the menu boards, the tray mats, and packaging will now have a new design, in keeping with McDonald's simple and modern brand identity. "Paper packaging and wooden utensils are also Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified to support McDonald's global commitment to sustainability," Sum added. McDonald's stated that customers will experience an enhanced service at these 13 reopened stores.
DRT summons Vikram Bakshi, McDonald's India
Recently, the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) had summoned Bakshi and McDonald's India to "deposit the proceeds of the settlement with the DRT II, Delhi." Reportedly, The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) had withheld approval of the settlement between Bakshi and McDonald's as the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) claims dues of Rs. 194.98 crore from Bakshi after a six-year-long dispute.
In 2013, Bakshi was ousted as CPRL managing director
Bakshi had established the first McDonald's outlet in India in 1995 through a 50:50 joint venture with the company. He was McDonald's India's local partner for north and east regions and was the face of the company in India. In 2013, he was abruptly ousted as the managing directed of CPRL after a near two-decade partnership, leading to a six-year-long dispute.
Bakshi, McDonald's fought over former's 50% stake for 6 years
After being ousted, Bakshi fought for his stake in the company and rights on the Company Law Board (CLB). While Bakshi wanted to buy out McDonald's and convert it into a master franchisee, the company wanted him to sell out and assume complete control.
