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McDonald's debuts new, more "contemporary" restaurant on 224 in Boardman
BOARDMAN
Greater efficiency, a contemporary design and more easily-accessible parking are a few features the owner-operators of the new McDonald’s location on U.S. Route 224 say will make the restaurant more “customer-friendly” than the former site, adjacent to this one.
The new restaurant in Tiffany Square opened at 7 a.m. Thursday.
“McDonald’s had been at that location for 40 years, and it was time to upgrade to a more modern building that’s more reflective of the McDonald’s of today and the community we serve,” said owner-operator Herb Washington. “This is definitely more reflective of the brand.”
Although comparable in size, the design and layout of the new building drastically differ from the other building, which now is demolished to make way for a new Chick-fil-A restaurant.
“Everything” is different, said owner-operator Terrell Washington, who did most of the planning for the project.
He points to a beverage “hallway” in which employees specifically tasked with handling beverages work, a different style of lobby, mural-style art on the walls and more vibrant colors in the decor that set the restaurant apart from the old one.
“In my opinion, it’s certainly brighter. It’s more contemporary. It’s more customer-friendly,” Herb Washington said.
Other features include Wi-Fi, a double drive-thru, upgraded landscaping and big-screen televisions mounted on the walls. There also is an area with a counter top and stools, in addition to tables and booths.
The transition was smooth, the pair said, and business reportedly was especially good on the first day at the location. The restaurant was bustling with customers in the late afternoon.
“Families, as well as individuals in the community, will certainly see this as a breath of fresh air. And it shows what McDonald’s can be,” Herb Washington said.
Area customers also can expect to see upgrades to other McDonald’s locations, said the Washingtons, who operate a number of restaurants in the region.
A representative for Chick-fil-A confirmed that construction on a new restaurant, to replace the building now across the street, will begin in early August. A tentative opening date is planned for January.