RIBBON CUTTING … The Wauseon McDonalds held a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Wauseon Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the grand re-opening of their newly built store. (PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER, STAFF)
By: Jacob Kessler
The Wauseon McDonald’s, located at 1375 North Shoop Avenue, has re-opened. After closing down in early August, the building that has called Wauseon home for 48 years was demolished.
This was to make way for the construction of a new building that would bring all the new bells and whistles with it.
The new McDonald’s features a pass through in the front as well as a way to get to and from the Ace Plaza.
What made all the extra room and drive possible was the purchase of land directly behind the older McDonald’s.
Owner Jim Rivello and his son Matt Rivello explained that the new building could have been put up years ago, but that he was not willing to complete it without having traffic issues fixed first.
Previously, it was hard for customers to exit the McDonald’s, especially for those going left, and keeping the status quo was not going to suit the new building.
Now drivers will have an additional option when it comes to entry and exit. The parking lot is also larger in order to accommodate more drivers and the new two lane drive-thru
Those in the drive-thru will be greeted with three windows that will help to give customers their orders faster.
The building is also narrower when compared to the previous one. This serves a purpose for the kitchen as well as future growth which may or may not see the addition of a third drive-thru lane.
The parking lot being larger in size will also help to provide more room for customers completing mobile orders now and delivery orders later next month.
Moving inside, Mr. Rivello explained that he is big on family. Even though the store no longer has a play place, new avenues exist for children to have fun as they eat inside.
The inside will have a wall that features computer game that kids can play. Family tables will also include games that kids can play as they eat.
DONATION … Owner Jim Rivello presents the Wauseon police and fire chief with a monetary donation for the help and support.
Other changes will be seen inside as well, along with a change to beverages. Customers will receive their drinks and refills from the counter now as there will no longer be a fountain drink dispenser in the lobby.
Changes are in store for customers that visit the new McDonald’s, there is no doubt about that.
The opening has been long awaited and is expected to bring a large amount of people to the store during its opening.
Mr. Rivello explained that he is looking forward to the stores opening and that he is anxious to see what the customers say.
“We tried to keep everything in mind from the old store to the new one while thinking about how we could modernize it.”
“I am anxious to see what the customers say. I am a firm believer in working in the community. I’ll go back to Ray Croc, the founder of McDonalds.”
“His thing was to give back to the community and the community will give back to you ten times over. That’s my philosophy. We work with schools and other organizations like the police department.”
“We work in the community, and they give back to us,” said Jim Rivello.
Following the ribbon cutting, Mr. Rivello presented the Wauseon police and fire chiefs with a monetary donation.
Jacob can be reached at jacob@thevillagereporter.com