Yellowknife’s McDonald’s restaurant has just completed some major renovations!
For the last several weeks, the McDonald’s location on Old Airport Road has been closed down to the public as they underwent substantial remodeling of their service and dining areas.
(Photo taken by Devin Bellinger/True North FM Staff)
In total, the renovation lasted 51 days. For much of that time, the employees of the standalone restaurant were temporarily moved to the built-in location at the Yellowknife Walmart. After a few weeks, the restaurant was able to re-open their drive-thru to continue serving their customers.
Al Nielson, the owner of the McDonald’s said that he was impressed with the teamwork and collaboration that was demonstrated by both his staff and the renovation workers. He explained that the changes made to the Yellowknife location are part of a standard upgrade that is being conducted at other locations across the country, and that McDonald’s is planning similar renovations at as many as 500 different restaurants.
(Photo taken by Devin Bellinger/True North FM Staff)
Nielson added that he looks forward to continue helping the community in any way that the restaurant is able.
“I’ve been with McDonald’s for forty-six years, and I’ve been up here for twenty-three years, and it’s always been a big pleasure for me to be a part of the community, whether it’s helping the Stanton Hospital Foundation, running programs with the RCMP, the Fire Hall, all the schools, it’s been overwhelming but fun. I love it.”
Councillor Steve Payne was present for the re-opening, and helped to cut the ribbon for the event.
“McDonald’s has always been there for the community. Anything that’s going on, Al and his crew have always been supportive, and they’ve always been so kind with everything. It’s an honor to come and represent the City and to open the new restaurant. They’ve done an incredible job, and I think everyone needs to come out and see it. I think you’re going to be really surprised as soon as you walk in the door!”
