Carrollwood McDonald's Getting Modern Makeover

At 10410 N. Dale Mabry Highway, the iconic golden arches remain standing among stacks of wood and cement blocks and mounds of rubble and debris. 

But once the matching bright yellow bulldozers leave the property, a sleeker, more modern McDonald’s – scheduled to re-open in mid-October – will be unveiled. The renovations will put Carrollwood's McDonald's on par with the sleek location at the corner of Van Dyke Road and North Dale Mabry in Lutz.

A May 9, USA Today confirmed that this particular endeavor will set an example for the rest of the nation, as the restaurant chain launches its “biggest store-by-store makeover in the chain’s 56-year history.”  The plan is to makeover a significant number of the eatery’s 14,000 locations by the year 2015. 

Jim Carras, senior vice president of domestic restaurant development, told the paper, “McDonald’s has to change with the times. And we have to do so faster than we ever have before.”

If you haven’t already guessed, this restoration entails more than just a coat of paint and some and a new countertops. 

Bob Conigliaro, vice president, community relations for Caspers Company (which owns 50 McDonald’s restaurants in the Tampa Bay area, including this one), provided Patch with an overview of the features and developments planned:

• Free Wi-Fi with more plug-in stations
• Flat screen TV’s
• Upgraded lobby décor package that includes lounge seating
• Indirect lighting, which is part of the efficient green energy package
• Dual order point drive-thru for quicker service on-the-go service

And it’s not just the dining room that is getting a facelift.  The kitchen will be equipped with the latest and most efficient technological advancements that McDonald’s has to offer. 

According to Conigliaro, Caspers has completed eight of 18 full renovations, and two of six rebuilds in the last year. 

So far, the community response has been nothing but positive at each location. 

“These investments in our business are also an investment in our community, and our guests seem to recognize and appreciate that,” said Conigliaro.

Cutting-edge advancements aside, McDonald's will never stop aiming to please their youngest demographic. 

Case in point: $1.99 Happy Meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays will remain intact, as will McSpirit Night and McTeacher Night fundraisers and other events supporting community events, charities, schools, little leagues and more.

Despite the ultra-modern feel, Conigliaro promises that the atmosphere and environment will reflect the kind of simple, easy enjoyment that parents trust and families feel comfortable in.

Neighbors of the fast-food titan are also eager to see all the hard work come to fruition. 

“It’s definitely been interesting seeing all the cars pull in – and pull right out – of the parking lot during the construction!  It’s one of the most heavily trafficked McDonald’s in the area, and it’s only going to get even busier,” said Dale Walton, manager of Peter Glenn Ski and Sports, located next door at 10330 N. Dale Mabry.

Even its competitors are eager for the unveiling. 

“I’m happy to be located next to the most famous restaurant chain on the planet,” said Jake Hickton, manager at Burger Monger (10412 N. Dale Mabry), best-known for their hand-crafted 100 percent Akaushi Kobe Beef burgers, fresh cut fries and home baked buns. 

“We joke around that we’ve put them out of business, but the truth is, there are enough burger lovers in this town to go around, and we can only hope that some of their customers will find their way to our doors and try us out,” said Hickton, who admits that he and his staff often head over to their neighbor’s for a bite, and McDonald’s employees will even do the same.

Those McDonald's team members have been re-deployed to nearby restaurants during the rebuild, and are eager to return to their “home base” soon. 

“We are all elated. This project fits appropriately with McDonald’s ever evolving quest to please our guests and remain a leader in the industry," said Conigliaro. "The great Carrollwood team that our community has enjoyed will return with some new smiling faces in a few short weeks, eager to serve the greatest guests in the world."

The McDonald’s at 10410 N. Dale Mabry Highway is slated to re-open in mid-October, and Caspers Company is planning a celebration weeks later that includes a visit from Ronald McDonald, special offers, prize giveaways, and more.  Stay tuned to Patch for more information!