13-05-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Opening new McDonald's ‘like having baby'
Ray Stonelake sen is served the first meal at the new Green Island McDonald's by his son Justin, daughter-in-law Eterei and grandson Ray Stonelake jun, 11. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery
Two golden arches shone brightly over Green Island when the new McDonald's restaurant opened its doors yesterday.
Owner Justin Stonelake said this was the first McDonald's restaurant to be built from the ground up.
"This is like having a new baby," he said.
The first meal of the day was a Big Mac combo served by Mr Stonelake and his son Ray Stonelake jun to his father, Ray Stonelake sen.
Forty-nine years ago, Mr Stonelake sen served the first McDonald's meal, a Big Mac combo, in New Zealand's first McDonald's in Porirua.
Mr Stonelake sen was the country's first restaurant manager, a process that involved him heading to Chicago 50 years ago to learn the systems and then teach the rest of his New Zealand staff.
Ray Stonelake sen at the opening of New Zealand's first McDonald's, in Porirua, in 1976. Photo: ODT files
"He took the gamble, and the rest was history," Mr Stonelake said.
He hoped the new restaurant would take some pressure off the Andersons Bay store, which is one of the busiest restaurants in the country.
"So far this year we've hired over 100 people, 60 of those for this restaurant.
"Our goal is to hire from the Green Island, Kaikorai Valley and out to Mosgiel areas to provide more jobs to the people in these communities.
"It's beautiful — it feels good, looks good and I think it's going to go well," Mr Stonelake said.
First in line for a McDonald's breakfast were four primary school children who have become a common sight at grand openings in Dunedin.
Fairfield children (from left) Arlo, 7, Luna, 11, and Enya Mirrielees, 10, with Scarlett Gunn, 9, line up for the Green Island McDonald's opening yesterday. Photo: Stephen Jaquiery
Luna Mirrielees said they had also been the first through the doors at Kmart and Mecca when they opened stores in Dunedin.
They arrived at the Green Island McDonald's at 6.30am and the staff brought the four out a hot chocolate each.
On the menu were hotcakes, fries and a Sausage McMuffin before the four raced off to school.
Long Ping Takeaways manager Janice Wang said she was happy to see the new restaurant in the neighbourhood.
"We're very excited, and all the best to the new store ... we hope this brings a bit more foot traffic to Green Island.
"Best wishes to them from us," she said.
