Burger King is officially relocating its Sliema outlet to the former Majestic Theatre building in St Anne Square, and will be opening its doors to serve customers shortly.

The move comes two months after Food Chain Limited, the franchise operator for Burger King in Malta, announced the closure of its Tigné Seafront restaurant, describing an “exciting relocation” without revealing the new address.

The Majestic Cinema Theatre, originally known as the Harding Cinematograph, was constructed around 1908 and is considered one of the island’s earliest purpose-built cinemas.

Majestic Theatre / Image by Ernest Ferrante / Facebook

Located in the heart of St Anne Square, it served generations of cinema-goers before eventually closing. While only the façade has been retained, with the foyer and auditorium replaced by The Plaza Shopping Centre, the structure remains an iconic architectural feature in Sliema.

McDonald’s to open new Imrieħel outlet at former Fluid Drive-Thru

In a separate development, McDonald’s is preparing to open a new outlet in Imrieħel, taking over the site previously occupied by the Fluid drive-through, which opened in 2023.

A “coming soon” sign was spotted on the building a few days ago, confirming the new restaurant’s arrival. The outlet will add to McDonald’s growing national footprint, though the company is still navigating planning challenges elsewhere.

Earlier this year, Premier Capital – the licence holder for McDonald’s in Malta as well as in five other countries – had its development permit for a new Żebbuġ outlet revoked after an appeal lodged by a neighbouring business.

Approved by the Planning Authority in June 2023, the proposed site was intended to feature a drive-through, a McCafé, and an underground car park with 33 spaces. However, the project drew objections, including a vote against by the Żebbuġ local council representative.

JM Vassallo Vibro Blocks Ltd, which operates from the adjoining property, appealed the decision before the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal (EPRT), arguing that the application – described as an “industrial kitchen” – misrepresented the true scope of the development. The permit was ultimately annulled.