McDonald’s, a U.S. hamburger cafeteria chain will open in Santo Domingo this November. The initial investment is estimated as above US$850,000 and includes the cost of purchasing the franchise. McDonald’s will open three cafeterias in its first year. According to a news story in the Listin Diario, the McDonald Corporation feels this country could become its second best-selling market in the Caribbean, after Puerto Rico.
Most of the ingredients used to prepare the McDonald products will be imported. “Eating a McDonald in the Dominican Republic will be the same as eating one in the United States, say the promoters of the new hamburger franchise. The licensee in the Dominican Republic is Oscar Brenes, a young businessman. McDonald’s will have to compete with earlier entrants to the fast food hamburger market in the Dominican Republic, Wendy’s and Burger King.
The Ronald McDonald clown was introduced to Dominicans last week. He participated in the 4th of July Saturday party organized by the U.S. Embassy to commemorate that country’s Independence Day. Ronald McDonald earlier had visited the orphanages of Hogar de Vida y Esperanza, Hogar Luby and Doña Chucha. He was accompanied by the U.S. Ambassador Donna J. Hrinak.