DESPITE controversy when it first opened, after 10 years of trading Stroudies are clearly lovin’ McDonald’s.

Franchisee Paul Booth and his team are now gearing up to celebrate a McDecade of business at the restaurant in Merrywalks.

Although there was some public opposition and demonstrations when the planning application was initially submitted, business manager Dave Roebuck said the restaurant was now doing ‘better than ever’.

“In August last year we broke the record for sales for the first time since we opened,” said Mr Roebuck.

“It’s great to think that even though we have been here 10 years we are still able to encourage more customers to come and eat with us.”

Crew trainer Lisa Carter also celebrated her 10th year at the branch this week as she joined the McDonald’s team in the first weeks of the store opening.

“I first started working at the restaurant on a part time basis when I was at college studying animal care,” said Lisa, who began working at the company when she was 17.

“However I enjoyed it so much that when I finished my studies I decided to join the team full-time.

“Since then I have been able to work my way up from kitchen staff to crew trainer which allows me to help the new staff members through their training.

“Working for the company has given me so many opportunities but the best moment has to be working at the London Olympics in 2012.

“Although it was really busy all day it was amazing to be there in the Olympic Park during the games.”

Since opening in April 2003, the restaurant has received a number of upgrades including a £265,000 investment for a refurbishment in 2011 which saw the introduction of a new design layout and a wider selection of menu options for customers.

Paul Booth, franchisee of the Stroud store, said: “We’ve seen quite a lot of change over the last 10 years both at the restaurant and across the town in general but thanks to the ongoing support of the staff we are still going strong.”