McDonald's teases opening for Darlington Faverdale restaurant. Pictures show the progress which has been made at the retail site on Faverdale Industrial Estate, Darlington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) McDonald's has teased that its highly anticipated new Darlington restaurant will be opening soon, following a series of setbacks. The fast-food giant shared a video on Facebook on September 3, telling customers: "A new store is opening in Faverdale, Darlington. Opening date coming soon." The post has sparked fresh excitement over the new restaurant on Faverdale Industrial Estate, which has been under construction since March 2025. However, an official opening date has not yet been confirmed and said a date will be announced soon. An opening in early 2026 was then suggested before McDonald's later said the restaurant was expected to open in late summer 2026. A McDonald's spokesperson previously said: "We're looking forward to opening our new restaurant in Darlington, due to open in late summer 2026. "The restaurant will bring significant investment to the local area and deliver up to 120 full and part-time jobs." The Faverdale restaurant is expected to become McDonald's third branch in Darlington. The wider development has been in the pipeline for several years. Plans were initially deferred by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee in July 2023 amid concerns over the potential impact on existing businesses and jobs, before being approved the following month. Earlier plans for the site included McDonald's, Costa Coffee and Taco Bell, as well as additional retail units and an industrial unit. Costa Coffee is still due to open a drive through branch at Faverdale. Taco Bell, however, is no longer expected to be part of the scheme after developers Metcalf Harland Property Investment said the chain did not sign a lease. A new Taco Bell site has recently opened on 3 Albert Road, at the former KFC site on North Road. McDonald's has now told customers to watch out for an opening date announcement.

Taco Bell tight lipped on new restaurant opening date. 5th September A NEW fast food restaurant set to open in Carlisle has remained tight-lipped over the exact date it will welcome its first customers. Taco Bell is preparing to open its first Carlisle restaurant at the former Pizza Hut unit on London Road Retail Park. Asked by the News & Star when the restaurant would open, the US fast food chain declined to provide a specific date, but confirmed it remains on course for a launch in early autumn. Taco Bell has remained tight lipped on an opening date (Image: NQ staff) A Taco Bell spokesperson said: "The restaurant is currently planned to open in the early autumn, which is likely to be late September or early October." The new restaurant will offer dine-in, takeaway and delivery services. Taco Bell has yet to confirm how many jobs will be created at the site. Signs that the opening is drawing closer have become increasingly visible in recent weeks. Taco Bell branding has been added to both the restaurant building and the retail park's roadside signage as work continues on the conversion. Taco Bell has been added to the retail park signage (Image: NQ staff) The arrival of Taco Bell is the latest addition to Carlisle's growing fast food market. The opening follows the launch of Burger King at St Nicholas Gate Retail Park and the arrival of North East smash burger chain Craft Burger in the city. Founded in California, Taco Bell specialises in Mexican-inspired fast food, serving menu items including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and nachos. The company has been rapidly expanding across the UK in recent years as part of wider international growth plans. Taco Bell has previously outlined ambitions to have more than 3,000 restaurants outside the United States by 2030. Read More: The Taco Bell roadside sign (Image: NQ staff) The move also represents something of a family affair in corporate terms. Taco Bell and Pizza Hut are both owned by restaurant giant Yum! Brands, meaning the former Pizza Hut unit will remain within the same wider business group despite the change of brand. More Stories