LEWISTOWN - The Electric Avenue McDonald's welcomes year 2013 as the remodeled restaurant officially opens for business at 11 a.m. on Monday.
The original McDonald's building, purchased by Owner Tim Barrett in 1991, was demolished in September. The building was over 40 years old and constantly needed updates, Barrett said.
"The store had gotten old and tired and we just kept putting money into it," Barrett said. "The practical thing to do was tear everything down and fully remodel to match the new McDonald's style."
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Sentinel photo by BUFFIE BOYER
McDonald’s owner Tim Barrett stands Wednesday in the new dining area of the restaurant on Electric Avenue in Lewistown. The new store will open at 11 a.m. on Monday.
The store will now feature stone walls, double refreshment towers, digital menu boards, a bright color pallet, three televisions and a lot of power outlets for computer use, Barrett said.
"This McDonald's is really geared more toward the adults and older teens," Barrett said. "The style is much more sophisticated. We are planning to use the Walmart location as a place for families to go."
One of most anticipated additions is the double drive-through, catering to more than 70 percent of customer flow, said Bob First, director of operations. Employees will be able to accept two orders at a time and cars will automatically be guided to the window based on which order is finished first, he said.
"Everything is the latest and greatest and works how it should," First said. "The whole project cost roughly $1.5 million."
McDonald's will open with a full lunch menu and continue on a 24/7 schedule, offering breakfast for the first time beginning at 4 a.m. on Jan. 1, Barrett said. Customers will also receive a free cup of coffee through Jan. 6 and then each day, from Jan. 7 to Jan. 12, a small fry, sundae, apple pie or soda will be available, he added.
Certificates for a free year of food will randomly be given out through the week, Barrett said. There will also be a raffle on Jan. 12 for an iPad, television, bike and other prizes.
