Hong Kong : The Global Test Kitchen for McDonald’s
By HK Lawyer AJ Halkes Barrister-at-Law
Not many people realise that Hong Kong has long been Ground Zero for some of McDonald’s latest innovations. From upscale dining to pioneering digital touch screen ordering systems, experimental salad bars and even table service; the McDonald’s outlet beneath my Admiralty office has been a global test kitchen.
Now, that very location, which lays claim to serving 1,000 customers an hour at peak times, has suddenly closed. But burger lovers, don’t panic—it’s set to reopen by late April 2025 and you can bet it’s with something new to see.
If you’re curious about where McDonald’s is headed next — whether in shop design, menu evolution, or overall business strategy — Admiralty Centre in Hong Kong is probably the best place on the planet to watch. And if you’re in town, swing by and say hello if I’m around.
At its core, Hong Kong remains an incredible launchpad and whilst real estate costs are still high (recent adjustments have made a big difference), the city offers a cosmopolitan, safe, and dynamic environment to test any product or service. As McDonald’s knows well, if you can thrive here, expansion of any idea and scaling of it across Asia — or globally — is then within reach.
If you need specific input regarding a strategic Hong Kong challenge or related legal matters in the HKSAR, you can always DM me and check out my profile at https://www.ajhalkes.com.
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