McDonald’s Announces Closure Of Valletta Restaurant - New restaurant to be opened in Sliema

This decision was a direct result of a dispute and a subsequent court ruling handed down in February 2012 that ordered the company to vacate the premises within 90 days.

In a statement, McDonald's said that every effort had been made to try to find an amicable solution to the dispute - this was however not possible and it was now left with no alternative but to close the restaurant. The company emphasized that having a restaurant in Valletta is a number one priority for the organization.

It confirmed that numerous alternative sites have already been evaluated and negotiations are ongoing. The company in fact hopes to be in a position to open a new restaurant in Valletta in the near future. McDonald's also said that it was proud of the fact that no jobs will be lost as a result of the closure. All employees have in fact been offered positions in other McDonald's restaurant across Malta. 

In the same statement, the company announced that it had recently concluded a deal to develop the brands new flagship restaurant in a key location in central Sliema currently occupied by the De TIgne Complex. This new restaurant will be home to the largest McDonald's and McCafe on the Maltese Islands and is set to be inaugurated by end 2012.