Big Mac makes its comeback

By Patrick Murphy pmurphy@columbustelegram.com
Wednesday, Nov 19, 2008 - 12:12:12 pm CST

COLUMBUS -- Big Mac is back -- and so is the McRib.

The new McDonald’s restaurant is set to reopen at 6 a.m. Thursday.

Customers who fled to surrounding towns to get their McDonald’s fix, will be greeted by a new McCaf©, modern design and their same favorite menu items.

As the reopening grew closer, some customers tried to hurry it up.

“We’ve had people walking in the store,” said Dennis Hall, franchise owner.

He said the exteriors of the new McDonald’s are fairly uniform, but owners have choices in what the interior will look like.

Hall choose a design that seats 116 people ” six more than the old building ” in a large dining area, surrounded by booths and smaller tables. There are three flat-screen televisions, which will continuously show sports, cartoons and the news. Four booths feature Touch2Play touch-screen games for children and adults.

The biggest addition is the McCaf©, which Hall described as a business within a business.

The McCaf© features mocha, iced mocha, hot chocolate, latte, iced latte and cappuccino, but Hall said the regular coffee drinkers have not been forgotten, and their favorite cup of joe is still ready to serve.

The biggest change outside is the double drive through.

Hall said a computerized tracking system allows McDonald’s to keep orders straight even if the cars get out of order.

Because McDonald’s closed in August, during a time when the franchise brought back the McRib for a limited time, it will be available here Monday-Wednesday.

While the restaurant was closed, employees were given the option of working in other locations. Hall said 90 percent of the workers have returned, and he hired new employees to round out the 100-employee staff, 25 more than the previous staff

To help ring in the reopening, Nebraska Gov. Dave Heinemann will be here at 11:45 a.m. Friday for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“He’s a good friend of mine,“ Hall said. “I’ve known him three or four years. He actually suggested it. He likes McDonald’s.”

There also will be a series of specials over the next week, including Big Macs to the first 100 customers Thursday and samples from McCaf©, give-aways and a visit from Ronald McDonald.

Hall said he also will donate $500 each to Center for Survivors and Columbus Food Pantry.

Hall has owned the McDonald’s here since 1976 and also owns stores in West Point and York.

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KIM
Nov 19, 2008 1:09 PM
YOUR BUILDING LOOKS GREAT, CONGRATS AND WISHING YOU BEST OF LUCK
Rick
Nov 19, 2008 1:18 PM
The Gov. cutting the ribbon on Mc Donalds grand opening! This is all he has to concern himself with? I imagine if I would donate enough to his re-election campaign, he might attend my ground breaking ceremony when I plant my garden next spring! A figurehead in name and deeds.
Jason
Nov 19, 2008 1:23 PM
We have a McCafe here and I must say that it's nicer than the old McD's, until you get the same old greasy, heart clogging food that they've always served.

This reminds me of WalMart. Rather than fix the long wait times in line, they installed TVs to distract you.
McHappy Customer
Nov 19, 2008 1:40 PM
It's my turn to pick Saturday so we'll go there if it's not too crowded. The kids will be so excited.
Smarty Jones
Nov 19, 2008 1:58 PM
This is the story of the year in my book. No really it is! Are they gonna have the drive thru open 24 hours? I sure hope so I will be a regular for breakfast just hope they will be open extra early. This is gonna help ease the long lines there has been elsewhere since they have been closed.
Right on Rick
Nov 19, 2008 2:06 PM
I would say this puts the governor right up there in the league with former Wasilla mayors. Maybe he can grab up a few Big Macs to drop off for the Safe Haven kids. Talk about being a few french fries short of a happy meal!
thank you
Nov 19, 2008 2:16 PM
Thank you for upgrading and investing in your restaurant! It is wonderful to see so many of the long term businesses renew or rebuild their sites. I hope others in town take note and choose to improve too.
long time resident
Nov 19, 2008 2:24 PM
congrats to the new mcdonalds. Thanks to the owners and good luck. To all the negative comments {will you people ever be satisfied????
Good One
Nov 19, 2008 3:08 PM
To:: RIGHT ON RICK

G O O D O N E !!!! You made me laugh..
Thats Funny
Nov 19, 2008 3:11 PM
Columbus residents satisfied....that is some choice comedic material right there. Thanks for the laugh. Congrats on the McD's...we have been craving it for a while.
Happy
Nov 19, 2008 3:40 PM
This definetly is good news...better than waiting 30 min in line at Burger King...they seriously need help with there drive thru..can't seem to get it to flow..I quit going there!
Hopeful
Nov 19, 2008 3:41 PM
I was turned off at the former Mc Donalds to often find used and not clean tables.
To see staff standing up front who did not want to bother to wait on me until they felt like it. Sometimes when I and come back up front to get an ice cream and be ignored for too long. so I quit coming. I know where Dairy Queen can be found and Burger King. So I will give them a chance to do a better job in the new building.
It was due time for a new building and a new attitude.
Robin Heindryckx
Nov 19, 2008 3:44 PM
The new building looks nice, but as the mother of a kindergartner that looked forward to going to McDonald's to play on the playground equipment, I am not sure if I will be in anytime soon. My daughter doesn't care much for video games so that won't interest her.
shakes
Nov 19, 2008 4:15 PM
I have mixed feelings here. I'm a recovering iced coffee junkie, and the withdrawal that I went through after McD's closed several months ago was excruciating! So what happens if I take up the habit again, and then they discontinue that menu item? I'm going to have to call an emergency McD-Anon meeting so we can discuss this.
JM
Nov 19, 2008 4:24 PM
Congratulations Denny & Cheryl.
Thanks for improving and updating your
business in Columbus.
writer
Nov 19, 2008 4:43 PM
You got rid of the play place to seat six more people? whooptie doo.
gem4
Nov 19, 2008 5:00 PM
Im glad they got rid of play area they couldn't keep it clean anyway.
dryice
Nov 19, 2008 5:23 PM
You mothers should be thrilled the Playland has been scraped. It was a good idea initially, but proven to be a haven for germs and nearly Impossible to keep clean. Not a good mix for a restaurant catering to kids.

Looks great, Denny. But you forgot to invite me to the pre-opening party!
Play Place
Nov 19, 2008 5:55 PM
Getting rid of that play place NEEDED to happen!! Do you know how many germs were crawling all over that? If you are crabbn about unclean tables... DO YOU THINK THEY CLEANED THAT?
I am excited for the new look!! And parents, if you are complaining about the food joint not having a place for your kids to play... take them to the Y
Big E
Nov 19, 2008 6:04 PM
stupid people make me laugh
Nov 19, 2008 6:24 PM
Why can't the columbus Mc Donalds do the same as the Fremont one!! They are giving free meals out for one year to the first 52 customers that arive there on their grand opening! Especially if you are a person who loves a big mack! Not that it's healthy for you but still, Mc Donalds for free for a whole year whenever you wanted it! Priceless!!
congrats
Nov 19, 2008 7:06 PM
I'm 47 yr old and have ate at McD's
3x's in my life--I was forced to--
I don't eat anywhere that has a drive up window.

After seeing the movie "Super Size it"
I can't believe.....I just can't believe
people...sad
Rye Catcher
Nov 19, 2008 7:31 PM
Thank goodness! I can again spend my time eating delicious quarter pound processed beef burgers and put away that pesky treadmill! Cardiac specialist, here I come!!!
ruralbetter
Nov 19, 2008 7:49 PM
To congrats: Its "Supersize Me"

No sense wishing them luck...Its McD's its an American tradition like turkey on Thanksgiving.

P.S. thanks for getting rid of that cesspool they called play-land.
William
Nov 19, 2008 8:04 PM
I know some of you hate to see the Play Place gone, I'm glad they got rid of it! No more snot smeared plexiglass and God knows what other new strains of bacteria were growing in that thing!
proud
Nov 19, 2008 8:04 PM
i'm proud the governor can be there, mcdonalds is providing many jobs plus they have improved the community with a new clean building. how many jobs does your garden employ rick? or are you just jealous that you don't have a money making business! the jokes on you babe.
James
Nov 19, 2008 8:11 PM
You people crack me up. Do you realize McDonald's has a variety of healthy menu items? It's called self control. Order a salad or apple dippers. Oh, how about a fruit and yogurt parfait? All white meat nuggets are good as well. McDonald's has added many healthy options but since you can't control yourself when you go eat you put the blame on the restaurant industry. If you believe that absurd movie super size me then you have real issues and need to add a few more fries to your happy meal.

You should be happy these owners who have owned it since it's conception in 1976 have the faith and pride in Columbus to make such a re-investment in the community. I see several other businesses that have been around forever and don't put one dime back into their facility.
Kimberly
Nov 19, 2008 8:18 PM
life is short, take a risk and eat cheap, greasy food every once in a while.

i, however, became addicted to the touch screen games at the norfolk mcdonalds, so i eat it far too often.
Dennis Hall
Nov 19, 2008 8:46 PM
As the owner of McDonald's, my wife and I appreciate your comments. We have lived in Columbus for the last 32 years and have contributed a lot of time and money to your schools, churches, children activities, non profit organizations, etc. The ones with the negative comments have probably seen this. We aren't perfect and can't please evereyone, but we built a store that we thought would benefit everyone. McDonald's do different promotions when they open, ours just have to be different than Fremonts. Again, thanks for your opinions, and the ones that are negative towards us,you have the option of visiting us or not, and those that are waiting for us to open, WELCOME
Abbie Tessendorf
Nov 19, 2008 9:19 PM
As an employee of the Center for Survivors, I think it's really generous for the Halls to include a donation to the Food Pantry and to the Center for Survivors at their opening. Particularly in this tough economic environment, the donation is so appreciated! Thank you McDonald's!
To Dennis Hall
Nov 19, 2008 9:37 PM
Many of us will frequent your restaurant. I do have only one request since you are reading this. Please have clean tables available when people want to sit, even during the busy times. And please have your employees tuck their shirts in. Some of them look like unprofessional slobs and it's a real turn-off for customers.
Linda
Nov 19, 2008 9:53 PM
Congrats Denny and Sheryl for improving your business and providing more jobs in Columbus.
Sounds like a wonderful place to go.
Thanks for getting rid of the playcenter, they were right about the germs. Ick! The kids will be heathlier.
Ignore the negative comments. Some people just like to rain on anothers parade!
If you want better food ask, don't complain.
cant wait
Nov 19, 2008 9:57 PM
Congratulations on the new store!! Don't mind the negative ones because they are in every crowd. Thanks for all you do for the city, my kids and I look forward to seeing your new store.
Jim
Nov 19, 2008 11:26 PM
Welcome Back. Many more years of prosperity to the Hall's for all you have done through your business in many communities around the state. The Naysayers need to grow up.
Touch screens
Nov 20, 2008 9:40 AM
Do you have to pay for the touch screens? or do you plan them for free??
To Dennis
Nov 20, 2008 10:35 AM
Please add another store in Schuyler!!!! I am sure it would do well here!!!
Southside
Nov 20, 2008 11:11 AM
Gosh, I thought they talking about Lake McConaughy, not some burgers.
Porky
Nov 20, 2008 12:25 PM
I have met the Halls on several occasions...good people who are investing in the future of Columbus! For the negative people, that is called providing jobs and adding to the tax base. And as they put it, helping out the community through donations, etc.

Keep the McRib...it helps my industry! :-)
smalltowngirl
Nov 20, 2008 2:55 PM
Thanks Hall's for investing in a much needed update. Looks great and wish you the best. From a former McD's employee.
msh
Nov 20, 2008 4:00 PM
You go Dennis!I am verrrrrrrrry happy Mcdonald's is back in service.when I found out McDonalds was opening on thurs.I wanted to cry of happiness!!!Thank You for the contributions you have made to the city of Columbus.People don't appreciate GOOD AND AFFORDABLE FOOD!!!
B.T.
Nov 20, 2008 4:59 PM
To: HAPPY
In regards to the 30 minute waits at Burger King (which is a little far fetched). Now what about the long line ups and waits with the new store open now. You have to realize that Burger King took over the responsibilty of 2 businesses for 3 months so give them a break. Burger did hire some really great help to help with that problem and made some great improvement with the long waits. So you be the judge.
Also its great for the new store but there needs to be some adjustment in some of the McDonalds management for the new store to be a sucess. Its a nice building but it could be a lot better.
Crystal Ball
Nov 20, 2008 6:30 PM
Gas to the restaurant - $40

Supersized Big Mac Meal - $5

Seeing the same uncleaned, disgusting dining area in a few months - Priceless
Klem
Nov 20, 2008 8:29 PM
The wife and I WALKED to McD's and got there about 1PM. The seating area didn't seem too full. Maybe it was the wall opposite the ordering counter, but there didn't seem as much room to line up and place an order.

The interior design was great and we enjoyed our Double Cheeseburgers and fries. Thanks for updating.
Terry Lowry-Preister
Nov 20, 2008 8:50 PM
Congratulations to the Halls! I trained in Norfolk before we opened the Columbus McDonalds...been a few years ago. I remember the pride Howard and all took in their restaurant. It was a great place to work. Best wishes for the the next 30 years!
heather
Nov 20, 2008 10:20 PM
Our family is very excited to finally be able to sit down in a place that we all enjoy!! We vastly enjoy the variety of food, since many of us like a healthier meal. Hopefully the tables will be kept cleaner, but that was my only gripe from before, besides the play area that I wouldn't let me kids play in anymore. We (and I mean my husband, now) no longer have to wait in a 30 minute line at the Burger King drive-thru. (YES THEY DO have 30 minute lines, I have TWICE been in that line, and they BOTH were BEFORE McDonald's closed! I had to call my friend and let her know I would be late to her house, but low and behold I did not need to bother. Coincidence would have it that she ALSO was waiting in line, 2 cars behind me....I personally have not been back since!) Hopefully the congestion from this opening will be short lived. Congratulations Dennis & Cheryl, for your wonderfully upgraded McDonald's!!
Terrie Ewert
Nov 21, 2008 12:24 AM
Congratulations Denny and Cheryl! Count me among the many who appreciate that you have cared enough about Columbus to reinvest in your business to the benefit of the community. Adding employment in these economic times is a super big plus for our town! I was there a year ago at the Taste of Columbus event when Governor Heinemen ate a Big Mac! I also know Dave from way back. As long back as when he first ran for State Treasurer. He is a great guy and I'm sure he was at that opening not only as Denny's friend but also for the fact that McDonald's has contributed to many causes/charities as well as having created more employment. I feel it was the right move for him to do so. Had he ignored our town in this regard, the naysayers would have had something to say about that too! Some people just will never be happy. Best of Luck to Denny, Cheryl and staff.
who cares
Nov 21, 2008 1:13 AM
Same food,same employees just in a new building whoopty do da. Give me a break.
Bill
Nov 21, 2008 4:48 AM
OMG....wait in line for 30 minutes at a drive thru. And to do it a second time. Fix a lunch at home and quit complaining.
oh thank gawd
Nov 21, 2008 7:26 AM
It's a positive note to see the McD's back up in biz again, the hospital admissions we're down in the 3 mths of construction.

Look at it this way, it continues job security for the medical field.
clinics, Drs, nurses, hospitals, pharmas
it's a good thing :-)
golfball
Nov 21, 2008 8:27 AM
Crystal ball: 40 bucks on gas (that's over 20 gallons), so your looking at a trip of roughly 400 miles round trip at 20 mpg. So your saying your coming 200 miles to eat at a Mc'ds to spend 5 bucks???---lol :)

Gas, 10 bucks

Big Mac Value Meal, 6 bucks

Watchin crystal ball drive for hours and getting nowhere.......priceless!
Thanks MCD
Nov 21, 2008 8:39 AM
Glad it's open again. Haven't been there yet, it was real busy last night. TO THE OLD JERK driving by and honking at the cars in line on the HWY GET A LIFE. There are 2 lanes use the other! Honking like a moron did no good. Did almost as good as me following you to Super saver and honking right BACK. I did feel better though. I will be at the new McD's SOON. Also about the wait at BK My wife waited in line 45 min. and that was BEFORE McD's closed! Will never be back. We had Wendy's last night and for once they didn't screw up my double hamber NO CHEESE. Well I'm done ranting happy Friday and good luck MC'D'S
Nice place
Nov 21, 2008 8:57 AM
We took our kids to the store last night. It's very nice! Good luck in the new building, and thanks for staying in the same location instead of bailing out and moving east like so many other businesses in town!
msh
Nov 21, 2008 11:24 AM
Burger King did not hire good staff.Every time i go there they dont even ask what I want to drink,they just assume that since Im hispanic i want a COKE!!And they only give me 2-3 packets of ketchup when I just bought about 10 burgers,do we have to share those packets between 6 people?How about OPEN 24 HRS.Its been closed a couple of times due to short staff,I see they hired people!They are really rude,its not like if they are giving the food to me for free,I work to pay for that food!!
Great Job
Nov 21, 2008 11:57 AM
I was at McDonald's drive-thru this morning, and I was impressed. The line kept moving very quickly, so I was in and out of there in no time. The gal taking my order was very good at her job, and the lady giving the food to me was very nice and cheerful. Thank you for doing a fantastic job on a very busy day.
Big Mac Attack
Nov 21, 2008 12:48 PM
Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a seasame seed bun!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I remember when the store first opened in G.I. They had a promo on the local radio station and would periodically take a caller and if you could give the ingredient line in 3 seconds or less, you won a coupon for a free big mac. 30+ years later and I still can't get that list out of my head. It was funny hearing people trying to say that on the radio. Its also kinda funny how a hamburger joint can bring so much excitement to a town and it never really goes out of style.
pts
Nov 21, 2008 12:57 PM
For the love people, you are ranting and raving about a fast food joint that is no different than any of the rest. If any of you looked up the nutritional value of that stuff you would realize why they have oversized doors and seats in the place!
Robby
Nov 21, 2008 1:56 PM
Yes so glad they built in the same spot instead of moving east job well done. I love the breakfast there you cant beat it with any kind of stick! Just want to know WHAT ARE THE DRIVE THRU HOURS PLEASE SAY 24/7 ?
Smarty Jones
Nov 21, 2008 5:30 PM
Very disappointed just found out drive Thur does not open until 6 am. That is a game losing fumble. Looks like only BK is smart enough to be open 24/7 to serve the demand of the many 24/7 workers around town. MCds has great breakfast but poor hours.
Crystal Ball
Nov 21, 2008 7:35 PM
You people are like cattle lining up for the slaughter house. So excited to get in to see what's inside the fancy building, only to be victims of what's inside. Poetic justice if you ask me.

Enjoy your obesity and bad health!

And to the smart aleck with the gas comment, when I go to the gas station I fill my vehicle up, I don't put in just enough gas to get to each destination - - DUH!
get real people
Nov 22, 2008 12:05 PM
You people are insane to think McD's is that good to hold up the line ON THE HIGHWAY!!! Where are the cops in this town. Everyone one of those people sitting there holding up traffic should have been fined. Anyday you sit there on the highway for this place that for one, isnt that good, and two, hasnt been gone for that long nee to GET A LIFE!

So Thanks MCD, looks like you are one of those morons in the pack that sit there everyday this line is 50 cars long. The comment that you honked back at someone sounds pretty childish to me. You deserved to be honked at, the traffic in this town already doesnt flow decent on the highway.
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