New McDonald's Offers 'Latest and Greatest'

With an entirely new building and a side-by-side drive-through,  has been running smoothly since it opened for business last month. The official grand opening was held over the weekend with an appearance by Ronald McDonald and events throughout the day. 

The two and a half month project to re-build the restaurant began this past June  with the completion of razing of the old store. 

“Within 24 hours it was gone. I had people asking ‘what just happened'", said Keith Muller, owner. 

The temporary closing of the business meant a lack of revenue as well as serious implications for employees. To help the staff, Muller offered floating positions at other stores to the original staff in order to maintain incomes during construction. 

Muller went on to say that “sometimes it’s not about the money; it’s about re-investing in the community with business.” 

The first restaurant was open for business in October 1974 and was owned by Muller’s parents, Harriet and Henry. 

“It [the former restaurant] had done a wonderful job. It carried age. We wanted to help the community,” explained Muller as to why the project began.

According to Muller, the new restaurant features “the latest and greatest McDonald’s has to offer.” Environmentally, it uses less energy—gas and electric—and incorporates recycled plastics into the interior.   

In order to expedite services, the store now has a side-by-side drive-through.  Additionally, a photograph of the customer is taking when their order is placed in an effort to “alleviate issues of mix-ups” said Muller. This is a corporate test program and as of press time no issues have presented themselves.

Under manager Cheryl Sharpe, the store is open daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. and the drive-through is open 24 hours a day. 

“We’re excited to be open,” said Muller and added that "it's a much prettier store." He went on to say that the store is “always accepting applications."