A FAST-food chain boss is hoping customers will be lovin’ Dovercourt’s very first McDonald’s restaurant.

McDonald’s has announced its new drive-through will be opening its doors to customers on Wednesday, December 19.

The restaurant – based on land off Station Road Roundabout and Williamsburg Avenue – is creating up to 120 jobs for people in the community.

So far 83 people have been hired to work at the new restaurant and 110 are expected to by recruited by the opening date.

Craig Newnes, the new restaurant’s franchisee, said he hopes to hire 120 staff members if the facility gets busy.

Mr Newnes, started his career with McDonald’s 29 years ago and he employs 1,100 staff across the local area.

He said: “We’re thrilled to be bringing a new restaurant to Harwich.

“It’s fantastic to be able to offer more jobs within the local area with great training opportunities for everyone.

“I’m proud to employ a great a range of people, from students, to graduates, to those looking after a family or interested in a change of career, my business employs people with a variety of demands on their time and with differing family or study commitments.”

The newly opened outlet will have self-order kiosks, table service and a click and collect service via the My McDonald’s app.

Mr Newnes added: “What’s more, the new digital kiosks and table service have been designed to make our customers’ experience as positive as possible and we hope to see a fantastic response to these features.

“We are very excited to open our doors to customers and we look forward to seeing customers and staff embracing the new features in this busy part of the town.”

He added: “It’s a very exciting time for my business and currently with a tough business climate I’m proud to be expanding with the opening in Harwich.

“I will be looking in 2019 to get involved in all areas of the community as we have in the Colchester and Clacton markets and again will be proud to be part of the local community. My staff, managers and myself cant wait.”