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Construction nears completion at McDonald’s

Jenny Lancour | Daily Press Workers stucco the exterior of the McDonald’s restaurant in Escanaba recently. The restaurant’s exterior and interior have been undergoing extensive remodeling during the past two months. The drive-through service remains open while the newly-renovated dining area is expected to be open for business around the first part of June.

ESCANABA — Customers anxious to see the newly-remodeled McDonald’s restaurant in Escanaba will not have to wait much longer. The owners are hoping to have the project completed by the first part of June.

“The remodeling means we’re staying current. The exterior and interior will be much more modern,” commented Tim Wilson, who owns the local McDonald’s with his wife, Cathy.

The major remodeling project began April 3 and includes total transformations of the exterior, the dining area, and the restrooms. The kitchen, employee breakroom, and storage area also underwent some upgrades.

“It will be a nice environment for our employees and our customers,” said Cathy, appreciating their workers’ enthusiasm and cooperation and also thanking customers for being patient during the two months of remodeling.

The couple said they have received a lot of inquiries about the remodeling project at the Escanaba McDonald’s and are hoping the dining area will be open for business around the beginning of June.

The restaurant’s drive-through has been open to customers since the construction process began with the exception of two days when the business was closed while some extensive changes were made in the kitchen.

In addition to making the building and dining area more accessible, Tim said the remodeling has increased the seating in the restaurant with the dining area being extended into the former playland area.

The entire dining area will have new booths, tables and chairs including a high-top table area. The walls, floors and ceiling have also undergone makeovers. Windows were upgraded, the restrooms were enlarged, and the front counters were replaced.

The restaurant now has some orange and black colors — representing the home team — incorporated into the interior design, which will also include pieces of artwork relating to the region, added Tim, who has been working with McDonald’s for 31 years.

The Wilsons have owned the Escanaba McDonald’s, as well as the McDonald’s in Gladstone and in the Escanaba Walmart, since 2006 when Tim’s parents, Tom and Donna Wilson of Gladstone, retired.

Tom and Donna had purchased the Escanaba McDonald’s in 1984 after moving from Ohio.

Cathy recalled, “They really liked the town, the community and the lake here.”

Since then, the Wilson family added on to the Escanaba restaurant, extending an addition to a former outdoor patio area and later building on the playland space. Two years ago, the dual drive-through lanes were built to accommodate customers.

Looking back on the franchise, Tim and Cathy said many changes have occurred over the years. In addition to a changing menu, the food is “made to order,” the menu boards have become digitalized, and the restaurants were the first in the area to be smoke-free and offer free wi-fi.

Tim’s brothers also own McDonald’s in the Upper Peninsula. Jim Wilson owns the stores in Marquette, Harvey, and at the Marquette Walmart, while Brian Wilson owns the McDonald’s in Houghton and Ishpeming.

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Jenny Lancour, (906) 786-2021, ext. 143, jlancour@dailypress.net

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