McDonald’s has dismissed rumours that it is preparing to open a new branch along a crucial holiday route between the Midlands and Wales, following a misleading online job listing.
Speculation arose when a “crew member” vacancy appeared online featuring Ross-on-Wye as the workplace, specifically pointing to the former Traveller’s Rest site at the M50/A449 roundabout northeast of the town. This spurred talk that McDonald’s might be launching a restaurant at this location, which had closed its doors in July 2024.
A McDonald’s representative clarified that the listing was made “in error” and was actually meant for a position at their recently opened branch in New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland. The company declined to confirm or deny any potential future plans regarding the Ross-on-Wye premises.
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McDonald’s has expressed interest in entering the town before; in 2022, it submitted a planning application for a branch near the A40/A449 roundabout. However, the proposal was rejected in 2023 after significant local debate both supporting and opposing the development.
Local ward councillor Chris Bartrum acknowledged that no official confirmation had come through about the current rumours. He added that many residents might be more accepting of McDonald’s operating within an existing building at the site of the Traveller’s Rest, which could minimize traffic and planning concerns compared to new construction.
Currently, no recent planning applications pertain to the Traveller’s Rest location. Although changing the building’s use to a McDonald’s restaurant might not require formal approval, installing a drive-through service—likely given the site’s strategic placement—would necessitate planning consent. Additionally, McDonald’s would likely need permission for any new external signage, as was the case with their prior planning attempt which was denied.
Meanwhile, Premier Inn, adjacent to the site and owned by Whitbread plc like McDonald’s, has submitted plans for a two-storey, 20-room extension to the back of the Traveller’s Rest. Whitbread also recently secured approval to reclassify the premises as a restaurant rather than a pub.
Adding to the confusion, Google Maps currently labels the location as a “Fictional” McDonald’s, prompting requests for clarification from Google.