Old Icon Getting a New Look

McDonald’s restaurants across the country are getting a make-over, inside and out.   Construction work on the McDonalds on North Main Street in Lamar started this past Monday, August 15, and according to owner/manager Don Snover, the lobby doors will close at midnight this Saturday and re-open at Noon on Friday, September 2. 

Snover, who also owns McDonalds restaurants in Goodland, KS and Burlington, CO said the drive-thru will be open for business, except for the most crucial part of the construction period.  He said road signage will remain the same, but just about everything else is getting a make-over, including:  the traditional ‘M’ in the golden arches, the outside of the building, inside lobby, soda and condiment station, kitchen, air conditioning, restrooms, resurface the parking lot and add a double drive-thru window.  Snover said with all the changes, he‘s only losing four seats in the lobby, and plans call for the play room to be altered with booth seating for adults.  He plans to hold a grand re-opening in the third week of September. 

The current drive-thru window will be moved about 14 feet to the west and will be slightly angled for traffic concerns.  West of that point, there’ll be an island with a second menu sign and speaker system, and the access entryways will be staggered to accommodate drivers.  During peak hours, two employees will be on the drive-thru windows.  The ADA parking at the front of the restaurant will also be improved. 

Snover said the present drive-thru is open 24 hours through the summer and until midnight weekdays.  He’s considering a later closing time during the school season to accommodate those who want a meal after local sporting events. 

McDonalds in Lamar quietly observed its 25^th anniversary this past May, during Lamar Days.  The restaurant, owned during the centennial celebration by Rod and Sharon Rawson, was serving up burgers, four for a dollar for the special occasion.

By Russ Baldwin