Erik Edin and Vun Chun Thunberg Li say that Solbacken is the obvious location for a second McDonald's restaurant in Skellefteå.
A new McDonald's is being built in Solbacken. Facade panels are being installed, castings are being made and materials are being brought to the site.
– I have now opened almost one McDonald's a year, and have learnt something each time, says franchisee Erik Edin.
This will be the second restaurant in Skellefteå to feature the iconic yellow "M" logo.
– It feels like the right place for the second restaurant. It's in a good shopping area and close to residential areas.
Each McDonald's outlet must operate on the basis of a standardised blueprint, but Edin says that this restaurant will still be something special.
– It will be Sweden's most modern McDonald's. We are making a significant investment in a café and will hire and train professional baristas.
An outdoor seating area with 50 seats is being built.
– It's south-facing, so it will have the sun for most of the day during the summer.
Inside, there is room for an additional 100 people.
– We want to create a modern feel.
– There will also be a play area for the children, says operations manager Vun Chun Thunberg Li.
Markus Lindblom is working on the outdoor seating privacy screens.
Outside, Markus Lindblom is currently involved in building supports. He works for the same company that builds all McDonald's restaurants in Sweden.
When the construction is finished, the restaurant will employ about 60 people.
– After the opening, we want to continue building and have about 80 employees.
Skellefteå's second McDonald's is located in Tjärn. Employees should be able to choose which restaurant they want to work at, says Edin.
– They should be able to work shifts at both locations. Those who want to move up to Solbacken will be able to do so.
Edin says that the recruitment process is ongoing.
– There are many companies recruiting in Skellefteå, so it's a competitive talent market, but we have a lot to offer in terms of career opportunities, flexible working hours and a good and fun working environment. We recruit from the age of 16.
It's all about being a good employer, he says.
Facade panels are being installed on the restaurant's walls.
– We offer opportunities for growth and a chance to build a career with us. Those who want to work more hours can join us at the other restaurant.
Hours will be 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
– We'll start with these hours, and then we'll adjust as necessary.
On October 19, Skellefteå AIK will officially open the restaurant.
– We want to expand our partnership with Skellefteå AIK, and now we've started sponsoring the women's team as well.
– It is the local team, after all, says Thunberg Li.