Golden anniversary for St. Catharines’ Golden Arches
After closing for significant renovations, the Ontario Street McDonald’s re-opened on the weekend in time to celebrate 50 years in St. Catharines.
“It’s a big milestone because of the fact that not many McDonald’s in all of Canada get to 50 years,” said general manager Brayan Amores.
If they do, he said, most have been relocated or demolished and completely rebuilt by the time they hit the half-century mark.
The Ontario Street restaurant of franchisee Edwin Infante has been re-imaged, but the bones have remained the same since the beginning.
On Saturday, the restaurant drastically discounted a selection of burgers and sandwiches to commemorate its milestone, drawing an immense crowd of hungry customers.
Amores said the restaurant averaged 150 cutomers an hour on Friday during a $3 Big Mac and McChicken Sandwich deal, and on Saturday, during its two-hour 50-cent hamburger bonanza staff served upwards of 200 customers an hour.
“It’s a huge turnout.”
Crafts, face painting, balloons and a cake were rolled out to thank Niagarans for their long-standing support.
While a dining room renovation is complete — with a re-worked floor plan, new washrooms, new seating, additional power outlets for laptop and phone charging, new menu boards and a new floor in its play place — construction isn’t over.
Amores said exterior renovations will begin this spring to give the restaurant a dual-lane drive-thru, among other updates.