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McDonald's looking to bring back Georgie Pie

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Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:00p.m.

McDonald’s quickly turned 17 restaurants into its own brand

McDonald’s quickly turned 17 restaurants into its own brand

McDonald’s, which owns the rights to the Georgie Pie brand, says it may bring back the iconic chain.

McDonald’s managing director Mark Hawthorne has revealed the company has been looking into finding out how the Kiwi pies could be brought back to the fast food market.

Mr Hawthorne says the pies would have to sell for at least $2.90 to remain viable for McDonald’s. Georgie Pie’s original menu had $1, $2, $3 and $4 items.

Georgie Pie was originally owned by Progressive Enterprises – who own the Woolworths, Countdown and Foodtown supermarket chains – and the first restaurant opened in Auckland in 1977.

In 1994 the franchise began to expand nationwide and aimed to have 114 franchises established by 1998.

But in 1996 as it became clear Progressive Enterprise’s stance against domestic and international expansion was impacting the business’ profitiability and sustainability, the Georgie Pie brand was sold to McDonald’s, its main competitor in the fast food stakes.

McDonald’s quickly turned 17 restaurants into its own brand, shut down 15 others – Palmerston North’s sole Georgie Pie is now a MasterTrade store – and killed the brand.

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Comments

05 Aug 2011 02:24p.m.

Jay wrote:

@Raymond Harding.. Who cares on your opinion and expericence.. 50years experience doesnt nesscary mean good taste.. The rest of NZ enjoyed the pies & thats all that matters. Its by far the best pie i have ever tried, many many more will agree.

04 Aug 2011 10:47p.m.

enid vita braddick wrote:

Yes!!!! Bring back Georgie pie!!!!

01 Aug 2011 02:45p.m.

kc wrote:

bring back georgie pie!!!!!!!!! i had all my birthdays there miss those pies soooo much

27 Jul 2011 04:11p.m.

Linda Harris wrote:

Haha! I queud up for a job at the first Georgie Pie in Hunters Crn, Papatoetoe. Many years ago! and got one!!! woohoo! Memories! Yes they were great pies and might I add GREAT! service too! :)

25 Jul 2011 04:26p.m.

Jo wrote:

I would not mind paying $3 for a pie BUT will they still taste as good,they havnt been made in so long and would dissapoint so many people if they wernt the same,makkas made a big mistake getting rid of grorgie pie!!

25 Jul 2011 11:36a.m.

Pumpkin wrote:

Bring back Georgie Pie... Its been too long! No other pie can compare!

24 Jul 2011 08:28p.m.

ricsteed wrote:

Yesssss. Pies Pies Pies Pies Pies!! Tauranga Please

24 Jul 2011 05:54p.m.

leone wrote:

Yes bring Georgie Pie back! PLEASE!!!And can you please make sure you build one in christchurch? Thank you!

23 Jul 2011 09:37p.m.

raymond harding wrote:

They were to worst pies in New Zealand, from the badly made pastry to the jelly fillings, it closed for a reason keep it that way. I been making pies for over 50 years trust me they were bad. if you are going to start again at least make a good basic Kiwi pie with a good top and bottom paste, not the crap you used to make.

23 Jul 2011 08:23p.m.

Michelle wrote:

BRING IT BACK! come on guys people are not going to stop eating maccers because there is one more option it just means that people who dont like maccers will have something different!! And really???? a whole $2.90 for a pie???? BIG DEAL we pay more then that at petrol stations and GP pies will be HEAPS better!!!