One of McDonald’s largest UK franchisees is closing in on 50 sites after acquiring seven more.
Capital Arches was founded in 2016 by former McDonald’s crew member and trainee pilot Claude Abi-Gerges.
In its latest accounts, for the year to 31st of December 2024, the company said it was operating 37 restaurants – mainly in and around London – and it has now extended its footprint once more.
McDonald’s franchisee attraction partner Ffion Williams said: “Huge congratulations to Claude and Capital Arches on acquiring seven new restaurants. Good luck to Claude and your team, we’re excited to see the continued impact across every community you serve.”
A Capital Arches spokesman added: “We’re proud to announce the addition of seven new restaurants across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire to the Capital Arches Group family. This expansion marks another important step in our growth journey, and we’re thrilled to welcome new teams, customers, and communities into the fold.
A warm welcome to all, we look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional service and experiences together.”
In the year to 31 December 2023, Capital Arches’ turnover grew from £134,638,185 in 2022 to £162,888,802 while a pre-tax loss of £601,967 in 2022 turned into a profit of £4,935,582.
This was despite a rise in costs of around £9m and an additional £13m in administration expenses. Staff numbers grew from 3,453 (including 3,337 crew members) to 3,702 (including 3,578 crew members).
Born in Cambridge to immigrant parents from France, Abi-Gerges joined McDonald’s in 1995 as a part-time crew member while studying aviation at Kingston University.
He graduated with a degree in aviation and commercial pilot training, but at the age of 23, decided to give up his dream of flying and continue his career with McDonald’s.
