By George Anderson
McDonald's is opening a new restaurant in New Orleans, according to The Associated Press. The menu, however, will not include Big Macs.
Chef Mac's, a Cajun-style restaurant with an interior which includes chandeliers and leather couches, will feature a menu including po' boys, muffulettas, barbecue chicken, and praline cheesecake.
This is the second such unit opened by McDonald's. The original Chef Mac's was opened in Orlando.
McDonald's director of operations, Bill Garrett, describes Chef Mac's as "upscale, quick gourmet casual."
The restaurant chain is banking on authenticity to succeed. It plans to create meals that will satisfy discerning locals and not simply out-of-town visitors.
McDonald's has hired a Culinary Institute of America graduate, Walter Grote, as the executive chef for Chef Mac's. Mr. Grote, a New York native, worked five years in a Cajun restaurant in Houma.
Moderator's Comment: What are your thoughts on the Chef Mac's restaurant concept and McDonald's decision to test it in New Orleans?
We could never envision passing Mother's or one of the Brennan's eateries to eat at a Chef Mac's in New Orleans. That said, there is no Mother's in New Jersey. If there were, we'd give it a try. [George Anderson - Moderator]