Big Mac on wheels Canada’s first drive-thru-only McDonald’s proposed for Winnipeg By: Joyanne Pursaga Posted: 5:27 PM CST Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025

A drive-thru-only McDonald’s restaurant could make its Canadian debut at a grocery store parking lot in Winnipeg, pending city council approval.

The franchise would be the fast-food giant’s first of its type outside of the U.S., which will require less space since it doesn’t include a lobby and dining area, proponents of the project said.

“The restaurant that we’re proposing to build is the first (of its kind) outside of the U.S. … as a drive-thru-only restaurant with the ability to service delivery as well… It is a unique opportunity for the City of Winnipeg,” said Jeff Topping, director of strategic planning for McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada.

Topping made the comments during a city centre community committee meeting, which was held at city hall on Monday.

The restaurant would be located next to the Real Canadian Superstore at 550 Kenaston Blvd., a city report says. The proposed one-storey, 1,988-square-foot (185-square-metre) restaurant drive-thru would be located at the corner of Grant Avenue and Kenaston Boulevard.

“I want to highlight the fact that this is the first prototype of on-the-go restaurants in Canada. There (are) only two other locations and both of them are in the U.S., one is in Texas, one is in California. It took a lot to get this prototype out here,” said Amit Kapoor, a local franchisee, during the committee meeting.

“The intention of this prototype is actually to put it in a busy corner, a smaller square footage, to serve guests so that (they) don’t have to drive further. If this prototype works, if it becomes successful, it would put Winnipeg on the road map.”

“I want to highlight the fact that this is the first prototype of on-the-go restaurants in Canada.”

Kapoor told the committee the site would be expected to attract media attention, while corporate officials could travel to Winnipeg to learn about the concept.

“This is a restaurant (with) a small square footage… where nobody can actually walk in. This is exclusively a drive-thru-only restaurant. It’s going to be easy traffic coming in and easy traffic coming out,” he said.

Kapoor said the drive-thru restaurant will add to nearby McDonald’s restaurants, not replace them, and is expected to create about 60 jobs.

Kapoor’s company, Kapson Family Restaurants Ltd., owns several McDonald’s franchises across the city, while he also serves as a member of the Winnipeg Police Board.

Neither he nor Topping could be reached for further comment on Monday. In an email, a McDonald’s spokeswoman said the company had no additional information about the proposed restaurant “at this time.”

The proposal would require city council to change a caveat attached to the property that prohibits businesses other than the existing grocery store, gas bar and garden centre. The restaurant would also be exempt from the rule that businesses only operate at the site from 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

The operating hour limit will remain in place for the gas bar and grocery store, which are located closer to homes, the city report notes.

During the meeting, applicants for the new drive-thru said it would operate 24-7.

The city centre community committee cast an initial vote in favour of the changes, though city council will have the final say.

“They’re very excited about it (at) McDonald’s. It will be the third one in North America. It’s a brand-new concept,” said Coun. John Orlikow (River Heights-Fort Garry).

Orlikow said city traffic experts determined the parking lot is big enough to support the business.

“There is ample parking in the lot, even with the McDonald’s … And the traffic division didn’t have a problem with (traffic coming) in and out of Kenaston and Grant,” he said.

Orlikow noted the parking lot itself can be busy, though, especially when the garden centre on the site is in its prime season. He said management of any congestion in the parking area will be up to the grocery store.

In an email, the city confirmed the project will require conditional use and plan approval applications to the city.

In addition, city staff recommend a prohibition of any construction on part of the same property, which the city would need to widen Kenaston Boulevard. An exemption could be made if Winnipeg’s public works director provides permission.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

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