Fast-food titan McDonald's is opening a one-of-a-kind research and training facility in Tokyo later this month to streamline the operation of its 3,800 outlets nationwide, the company said Wednesday.
At 770 sq. meters, Studio M in Shinjuku Ward is big enough to seat 114 and features a kitchen where staff can try out new cooking methods to increase efficiency. It also has a kitchen for whipping up samples for menu development, a food safety laboratory and a training center.
McDonald's Japan Chief Executive Officer Eiko Harada said that while it is easy for rivals to copy McDonald's investment and pricing policies, achieving a high level of training isn't something that can be copied overnight.
"That is why we place great importance on this Studio M," Harada said, adding that he hopes the new facility inspires workers to be more creative in developing new products.
McDonald's Holdings Company (Japan) Ltd. said it spent a few hundred million yen on the new facility. McDonald's Japan, which enjoys brisk earnings, is taking an all-around approach to boosting the number of patrons.
For the last eight months, outlets have seen year-on-year increases in customers.
Harada credits the success of the nation's largest hamburger chain to continuous investment in outlets and products. He says customers respond to the company's policy of product diversification, pricing and qualified staff.
For example, McDonald's Japan spent ¥15 billion implementing a cook-to-order system at most outlets that allows staff to serve items fresh from the grill quickly after an order is placed.
Meanwhile, Harada said that although the future is uncertain, McDonald's will do its best to absorb rising food costs.
"We haven't decided anything about a price hike," he said.
Food manufacturers, including instant-noodle makers, are finding it necessary to raise prices.