Golden arches aglow
Published 4:23 pm Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Workers could be seen cleaning up around the now-completed McDonald’s restaurant on U.S. 21 North at Rivercane this week in preparation for visitors this week. The new restaurant is scheduled to open for the first time to the public with a ribbon cutting event at 9:30 a.m. Friday morning. A grand opening weekend event is planned for Aug. 12 through Aug. 14.|Photo by Lisa Tindell
The golden arches of McDonald’s are glowing this week as the newest addition to Rivercane plans to open Friday.
Located at Rivercame, north of Atmore on Alabama 21, McDonald’s joins other establishments as the commercial area continues to grow. Already in place in the area is Holiday Inn Express and Hardee’s have opened at Rivercane in the last year. Hampton Inn is currently under construction and is expected to open within the coming months. Muscogee Inn anchors the area with Wind Creek Casino and Hotel drawing visitors to the area.
McDonald’s officials have slated a ribbon cutting ceremony event to kick off its grand opening beginning at 9:30 a.m. Friday. Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, guests will get the opportunity to dine at the new McDonald’s with the added bonus of an opportunity to win door prizes as well. Among prizes offered during the three-day grand opening event are a bike, cash, a flat screen television and many other gifts
Perry James, director of operations with McDonald’s, said there are big plans for the new business, which is located near the casino.
“We have an opening ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m.,” James said. “After that we will immediately invite the public inside.”
Abraham Macgsoud, owner of the new McDonald’s was unavailable for comment, but Atmore Mayor Howard Shell said the owner also owned the present McDonald’s located on the south side of town.
“We have always had a good working relationship,” Shell said. “He owns several McDonald’s and he is very optimistic that this new one will be very successful.”
The other McDonald’s is located on South Main Street just steps from the Florida state line and Mayor Shell said they should both do well.
“This is the second fast food place to eat that has come into that area around Rivercane and we feel like this new store will be an asset to the community,” Shell said. “It will draw people from the interstate.”
Ronald McDonald will be at McDonald’s Saturday, Aug. 13, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to meet and shake hands with the children as part of the grand opening celebration.
