Rotorua McDonald’s branches ‘sold out’, all three stores closed

Big Macs weren’t big enough for Rotorua.

All three McDonald’s branches were forced to close until 9 p.m. M. Thursday, after they were “consumed”.

The franchisees Rob and Linley Parry have all three restaurants in Rotorua, in Fairy Springs, Fenton St and Te Ngae.

Rob said at the start of level 3 on Monday night “we had enough stock that it should have lasted five days.”

“We did recharge yesterday, but that wasn’t even close to being enough.”

Branches waited for another “huge” truck to arrive with supplies at 8 p.m. and they hoped to reopen the drive-thrus at 9 p.m.

“These are just crazy times,” he said.

Rotorua branches were also expecting another food truck on Saturday “which should be more than enough.”

“Once level 3 started, everyone in Rotorua wanted a little bit of normalcy, whether it be the Maccas tour or going to Blue Lake,” he said.

“People have clearly missed us.”

Until the branches reopened, staff in Rotorua had to focus on cleaning work.

Rob said clients had been “very polite” to the staff despite being restricted to drive-thru service on Level 3.

“They have been wonderful … We are very happy.”

He said other franchisees in New Zealand had faced a similar lawsuit.

Earlier this week, McDonald’s New Zealand posted on Facebook that some stores had run out of lettuce.

“Our vendors and delivery trucks are working hard to restock restaurants. You can still order your favorites, but for those stores that are out of stock, they will be done without lettuce.”