Bellwood McDonald's Celebrated the Grand Opening of the New Restaurant October 2nd

The New Bellwood McDonald's located at 520 25th Ave. celebrated their Grand Opening with a ribbon cutting, cake cutting and VIP party on Monday night, October 2nd. It was a standing room only crowd at McDonald's. Jan and Ray Nelson, Owner-Operators, are proud to bring Bellwood an upscale New McDonald's for the community to enjoy for years to come.

At the VIP party, Jan and Ray welcomed Friends, Colleagues, Village Employees, Bellwood Chamber Members, Village Trustees and Representatives from the local Schools for a special Grand Opening VIP event. The evening began with speeches from Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, Senator Kimberly Lightford, Mayor Andre Harvey, President of the Bellwood Chamber of Commerce, Christopher Parker, Lincoln School teachers Michelle Owens and Sharon Bennett, McDonald's General Manager and Vice President of the Greater Chicago Region, Jim Carras and McDonald's Owner, Ray Nelson. Also in attendance were many of the Bellwood Chamber Members and many other Bellwood Community VIP's.

Mayor Harvey said how happy he is with the new McDonald's and how committed the Nelson's are to Bellwood and have been for 21 years, He wants this to be the best McDonald’s In the Western Suburbs. Michelle Owens of Lincoln talked about how much the Nelson's have given back to Lincoln with their fundraisers that they have had. She said in four years the Nelson's have given over $2000 to Lincoln at McTeacher's Nights. Jim Carras the General Manager and Vice President of the McDonald's Greater Chicago Region talked about the wonderful experience McDonald's customers will have at this location and how Owner-Operators like Jan and Ray Nelson are the secret sauce at McDonald’s. Mayor Harvey spoke about how the restaurant features self-service Kiosks to place your order and all the latest technology. He spoke about how the Nelson's are so committed to the Bellwood community and how the Nelson's take so much pride in their community and are helping the growth in Bellwood, especially the growth on 25th Ave. Ray Nelson spoke and thanked the Village for all their support. Ray said how proud he and Jan are to be a part of the Village of Bellwood and make this investment in such a great community, they strive to be the best employers in Bellwood.

Also, a special thank you to Christopher Parker the President of the Bellwood Chamber of Commerce and Janelle Moreland the Village Clerk who helped make the event a success.

The event featured complimentary McDonald's appetizers, and frappes, and of course the cake. The event also featured a special appearance by Ronald McDonald. For future events with the Bellwood McDonald's, contact the Bellwood McDonald's Community Relations Director, Julie Travers at julie.travers@comcast.netT

11-The Striblin and Sims Families were honored to be at the Ribbon Cutting and VIP Party for the new Bellwood McDonald's.

32-Kristopher Anderson, Manager U.S. Communications for McDonald's, Richard Boykin, Cook County Commissioner and Ronald McDonald were all thrilled to celebrate the New Bellwood McDonald's Grand Opening.

7-The Ribbon Cutting at the Bellwood McDonald's.

89-The Cake Cutting at the Bellwood McDonald's. Village Clerk, Janelle Moreland, Jan and Ray Nelson, Mayor Harvey, GM and Vice President of the Greater Chicago Region for McDonald's, Jim Carras and Ronald McDonald.