Cleveland Clinic removing McDonald’s as lease finally ends

CLEVELAND (AP) — A popular McDonald’s restaurant in the food court of one of the nation’s top heart-care hospitals will soon be shuttered.

A spokeswoman for the Cleveland Clinic tells The Plain Dealer that a lease with McDonald’s that’s been in place for decades will end Sept. 18. The newspaper reports that Cleveland Clinic CEO and heart surgeon Toby Cosgrove has been trying to remove the fast-food franchise from the hospital for years.

The clinic’s nutritional health efforts have led to the removal of fryers from its food court and the addition of healthful menu options. Wellness programs at the clinic include free fitness and yoga classes, smoking cessation help and cheaper health insurance for employees who participate.

The McDonald’s franchise owner says employees at the restaurant will be offered jobs elsewhere.