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Inside McDonald's odd plans to expand into TRAVEL with McPlanes & McTrains

23 July 2023 , 22:35
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Inside McDonald's odd plans to expand into TRAVEL with McPlanes & McTrains
Inside McDonald's odd plans to expand into TRAVEL with McPlanes & McTrains

MCDONALD'S once launched McPlanes, McTrains and McBoats in an attempt to expand its much-loved range.

The fast-food chain served Big Macs on jets and trains, and even opened two floating restaurants for Maccies lovers to get their fix.

McDonald's once launched a McPlane - serving Big Macs in a box and more qhiddxiqkziquprw
McDonald's once launched a McPlane - serving Big Macs in a box and moreCredit: AFP
The much-loved chain opened its first McBoat on the Mississippi River in 1980
The much-loved chain opened its first McBoat on the Mississippi River in 1980
It also took to rail in the years that followed - opening restaurant carriages
It also took to rail in the years that followed - opening restaurant carriages

In 1980 the chain made waves with its first water restaurant.

It opened the floating food joint in an old-fashioned paddle steamer on the banks Mississippi River.

The McBoat was a hit and could sit  134 customers inside and 200 more on open-air decks. 

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At the time, McDonald's real estate manager told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: "We have nothing like this in the whole world."

The floating restaurant stayed open for two decades before it was closed in 2000.

Another boat, which was dubbed McBarge, opened for six months in 1986.

MailOnline said the Canadian restaurant was said to have been able to play host to 1,400 diners over two decks.

In the years that followed the chain launched a McTrain.

It teamed up with Germany's rail service and offered moving restaurant carriages in 1993.

The foodie carriage sported the well-known golden arches, could seat 27 people inside and offered Maccies' favourites.

It also offered two four-course meals to passengers in first class, but that ended up being extended to all.

But, it was quickly wrapped up within just two years as it was said to have failed to bring in customers as it was initially thought it would.

The following year McDonald's partnered up with a Swiss private air charter company Crossair and your company Hotelplan to take to the skies.

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The aircraft was kitted out with red seats and the golden arches, while the outside was bright red.

A trolley service was offered up the aisles and air hosts and hostesses would hand out Big Macs in a box.

On top of the Maccies meal, jet setters were given souvenirs, a certificate and toys for youngsters.

Ralf Pieprzyk, who worked for Crossair when the McPlane launched, revealed that the meals were not from a traditional McDonald's supplier and they had to be custom-made so they could be "stored and served later in cruise flight".

He added: "[It was a] great idea, our customers and planespotters loved it."

Flight passengers were treated to some of the all-time favourites
Flight passengers were treated to some of the all-time favouritesCredit: Crossair
When the trains were launched they offered four-course meals
When the trains were launched they offered four-course meals
The McBarge was launched in Canada in 1986
The McBarge was launched in Canada in 1986Credit: Alamy

Jane Matthews

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