The UK customers’ love for eating at McDonalds has not waned despite cash crunch and gloomy economic conditions. McDonalds UK, posted strong growth in its first quarter sales, as lovers of chain’s fast food continued flocking to its restaurants in large numbers to have bites of Big Macs and newer ranges of food, even during recession.

According to McDonalds’ UK chief executive, Steve Easterbrook, the UK restaurants registered strong single digit growth in the first quarter ending March 31.

The fast food chain’s US parent reported global sales increase of 4.3% over the period, despite one day’s less trading in month of February this year. The first quarter profits of the company jumped by 4% to £979.5 million.

Operating income of the world’s largest chain of fast food restaurants rose 1% in constant currencies with France, the UK and Russia leading the way. Easterbrook claimed that growth in the UK sales was achieved during times when informal eating out market has remained static. He also added that the UK’s growth in sales as well as customer count was higher than Europe’s average, which confirmed that company was able to build market share as a result of investments it is making in the business.

In the first quarter, McDonalds UK added a 99p meat and bun combo, Mayo Chicken, chicken wraps and new burgers to its menu.