Liu Minxia

    mllmx@msn.com

    DRESSED in Qing Dynasty court robes, waiters and waitresses at a U.S. fast food chain served diners hamburgers, pies and drinks that have been renamed and remodeled with a royal touch at China’s oldest McDonald’s outlet in Shenzhen yesterday to mark the launch of a new menu designed to woo local customers.

    In a Qing Dynasty prince’s robe, Li Ming, operations manager of McDonald’s Shenzhen branch, said they are blending the Chinese culture and taste into the new menu designed for the Chinese New Year. Emperor’s Shrimp Burger, Empress’ Chicken Burger and Imperial Concubine’s Lychee drink are among the special menu items.

    “We’ve always been trying to adapt our menu to the local taste, and we’re also offering more food made of chicken for the year of rooster,” said Li.

    With the controlling stake of its Chinese operations sold to an investor group led by CITIC Ltd. and Carlyle Group on Monday, the world’s largest restaurant chain aims to open 1,500 new restaurants in China over the next five years.