Folks at McDonald's in North Battleford had even more reason than usual to sport smiles on their faces on Monday.
That's because the franchise officially opened their brand new restaurant on Railway Avenue.
McDonald's has been a fixture on Railway Avenue for over three decades, but last year the local owners decided undertake complete overhaul at their current site.
Construction of a new structure went on throughout last year, and it was open for business in early December. The structure was built on the old restaurant's parking lot.
Demolition work then immediately got underway that month on the familiar old McDonald's structure to the west of where the new store is located.
Monday marked the official grand opening for the new restaurant in North Battleford. On hand for the event was owner-operators Dave and Sharon Taylor, along with Mayor Ian Hamilton of North Battleford, Mayor Chris Odishaw of Battleford, and the incoming president of the Chamber of Commerce, Scott Campbell. Also on hand to celebrate were the ladies from the Red Hats Society along with other wellwishers.
A cake, made to look like a Big Mac and fries, was unveiled and free slices were given out to customers during the day. A number of special promotions also went on, including free coffee and special low prices on some familiar McDonalds food items.
Customers will notice a number of new features at the new McDonald's. Among them will be a contemporary interior and exterior, flat screen televisions, a fireplace, and leather seating. The design is similar to ones found at newer McDonald's restaurants in other communities.
Sharon Taylor said a new restaurant was something they had been looking at doing since taking over the McDonald's franchise in North Battleford in 2007. The Taylors own both McDonald's locations in North Battleford and also one in Meadow Lake.
"It's been a long time coming," Sharon said. "In 2010 it worked out with our contractors and with all the people in the community that played a part and have a hand in getting this building built so quickly.
"We'd love to thank the community for their support, and their continued support in the future."
One of the recent visitors on hand to check out the new McDonald's was none other than Ronald McDonald himself.
Ronald was the star attraction at the restaurant Sunday afternoon, and then he spent Monday afternoon at an event at the North Battleford public library, reading to kids. Ronald was scheduled to head to Meadow Lake Tuesday.
