Early bird gets free breakfast

Staff at McDonald's Family Restaurant in Masterton are steeling for a stampede of early morning customers hungry for free breakfasts on Monday.

Store manager Robert Hintz said yesterday he will join more than 20 other workers who will be on-site before dawn to help prepare for a celebration under the golden arches of 20 years of serving breakfast in New Zealand.

He said the Masterton franchise and another 129 restaurants nationwide will each hand out up to 1000 free bacon and egg McMuffins to early risers from 7am to 10am on Monday.

He expects the giveaway to "cause quite a stir" and the offer will be followed up during the next month with four other free breakfast offers.

"We will have 22 people at work when we usually have only six. I imagine this free offer really will bring the people in."

McDonald's Masterton franchise-holders Sitendra and Kavita Singh say they are looking forward to making Monday morning easy for diners.

"Monday mornings can be tough for everyone so we wanted to make early easy. There's no catch but you will need to set your alarm early to enjoy this iconic breakfast favourite on the house. First in, first served so the early bird will get the bacon," Mr Singh said.