Memory Makers: The day McDonald's opened in Singapore to much fanfare

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20 Oct 1979: Singapore saw its first McDonald's at Liat Towers, welcomed by Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, a brass band and a crowd of hundreds MemoryMakers nostalgia McDonalds

Boy Scouts form a guard of honour at the grand opening of Singapore's first McDonald's at Liat Towers on 20 October, 1979. Note the use of"hamburger restaurant" in the sign, as many Singaporeans had not heard of McDonald's.

Liat Towers, a brand new shopping mall and mixed use complex in Orchard Road, was chosen as the venue for the first outlet. Wheelock Place did not yet exist, and the giant red, yellow and white banner which hung above the restaurant, located next to the now defunct Galeries Lafayette, said it all, "Opening soon".

"I was captivated by what the founder had envisioned. He wanted McDonald's to be efficient, of good quality and value for money," said Bachman. So she arranged to meet her then boyfriend for a date at Liat Towers on opening day: Saturday, 20 October 1979. "I remember we had to wait very long. It was very crowded and very exciting, because it was something American and new, and an alternative to hawker centre food.

But Tan did have to soothe a few ruffled feathers when he explained to customers, who were used to table service, that McDonald's was a self-service restaurant. "That day, I probably worked 10 hours. You are really perspiring, because the air con didn't work as the door was open. You can't even breathe because the bins were filling up so fast."

There were also two positions at the counter: cashiers, and runners to collect the product and serve it to customers. "The pace was very fast. We had to serve the customer within one minute of saying 'eating here or takeaway?' Sometimes, the manager would time us," said Khoo. "We wore black kung fu shoes, so we were practically sliding when we worked at the counter."

"We all took pride in our work. In our staff room, there was a poster that said 'This is your home away from home'", said Khoo.

 

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