McDonald’s customers are currently being greeted with a construction crew in the parking lot at its 1304 E. Broad Ave. location in Rockingham.
Some may be surprised to see the play area missing from the front of the building. The McDonald’s playground has been a familiar fixture for years, but that is changing.
“We are remodeling the whole place inside and out,” said owner, Jerome Davis. “It will be more conducive to what we are trying to do here.”
Remodeling plans include an indoor play area for the kids. It will have touchscreen interactive games and sitting area for their enjoyment. A two-lane drive-thru is also in the works. Hopes are to better help customers gain access to the compact parking lot. Davis said new TVs and updated bathrooms will help complete the new age look.
“We ask that our customers please excuse the construction during this time,” he said.
The drive-thru has been closed recently but the lobby will remain open for 24 hours while the drive-thru is reconfigured. Davis hopes it will be ready to re-open shortly. After the drive-thru is re-opened, the lobby will be closed for about a week.
“I think a two-lane drive-thru will help a whole lot,” said customer Gail Saunders of Rockingham. “The parking is pretty tough.”
The goal is to have the renovation completed by late March, and a grand opening is planned for April.
The McDonald’s franchise requires the owner to contract only approved contractors for construction. Construction workers are pleased with the progress so far.
“We’ve had to deal with smaller parking lots, but it’s all about finding the balance to accommodate the customers and still get the job done,” said Freeman & Associates employee, Marquel Rouse of Whiteville.
— Staff Writer Cassidy Odom can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 16, or by email at codom@civitasmedia.com.









