Premier Capital Hellas has inaugurated a new McDonald’s restaurant at The Mall Athens, marking the beginning of celebrations for the brand’s 35th anniversary in Greece. The new location, situated on the third floor food area of the country’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, represents an investment of 1.4 million euros and creates 60 new jobs.
The opening ceremony was attended by institutional representatives, partners, and members of the press. The ribbon was cut by U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, Melo Hili, Developmental Licensee of McDonald’s in Greece and CEO of Premier Capital, and Vladimir Janevski, Managing Director of Premier Capital Hellas.
A New Design Standard
The restaurant’s interior was designed by Sydney-based firm Landini Associates, presenting an elevated version of the “Project Ray” concept. Drawing inspiration from McDonald’s headquarters in Chicago and from the “Mood Engine” flagship restaurant in Hong Kong, the space features minimalist aesthetics, modern functionality, and a standout 65-square-meter digital screen that adapts to different times of day, making it one of the most technologically advanced McDonald’s locations in Europe.
The restaurant also holds a unique distinction: it is the only McDonald’s in Greece to feature a sign in the Greek alphabet, honoring the nickname “ΜΑΚ” that Greek consumers have used affectionately for the past 35 years. It has the capacity to serve up to 1,400 burgers per hour.
Key Quotes
Ambassador Guilfoyle said: “There are few brands in the world as distinctly American as McDonald’s, and few images as instantly recognizable as its golden arches. For 35 years, McDonald’s has been part of everyday Greek life, and as we see today, it continues to grow in this country. Because when American innovation meets Greek ingenuity, the result is remarkable.”
Melo Hili stated: “As McDonald’s completes 35 years in Greece, this restaurant reflects our ambitions for the Greek market and the relationship we have built with Greek consumers.”
Vladimir Janevski added: “From our first restaurant at Syntagma Square in 1991 to today, McDonald’s has grown into one of the most beloved brands in the country, staying close to the people, their moments, and their memories.”
35 Years of Growth
Since the opening of the first McDonald’s in Greece at Syntagma Square in 1991, the company has grown into one of the most recognized fast food brands in the country, serving thousands of customers daily and selling more than 26 million burgers annually. Since Premier Capital plc took over as Developmental Licensee in 2011, more than 53 million euros have been invested in the development and upgrading of the Greek network, which has grown from 18 restaurants to 33 today, while annual sales have risen from 19 million to 109 million euros.
McDonald’s Greece employs workers from more than 30 nationalities and reports that 60% of its central office staff began their careers in its restaurants. Through its “Feed and Foster Communities” mission, the company has logged more than 15,560 volunteer hours since 2021, and through the Ronald McDonald House, which launched in Greece in 2025 at Agia Sofia Children’s Hospital, has provided more than 1,053 free overnight stays for 339 families of hospitalized children within its first year.
