By: Duane Blankenship | Category: Restaurants | Issue: March 2016
Chris Rich unveils the recently remodeled McDonald’s in Claremore. The store was originally built by Chris’s parents, Tim and Patty Rich.
The Tim and Patty Rich family own five McDonald’s locations, three in Owasso, one in Claremore and one in Mannford. Son Chris Rich manages the newly remodeled store just south of Claremore on Historic Route 66. Tim Rich began working for McDonald’s when he was 16 years old and has been with the organization for 49 years. Patty has been with the company for 40 years, while Chris says he literally grew up at McDonald’s. Tim’s original McDonald’s location was in Tulsa. Interesting fact: McDonald’s now has more than 14,000 restaurants in the United States.
“The Claremore store had become dated and needed a facelift,” said Chris. The drive-thru service lane was never closed during remodeling, but the entire inside has been gutted, redesigned and updated with a color palette of red, blue and purple that is inviting and vibrant. There are two video tables for children and adults to play video games. The outside of the building was resurfaced, received new paint, and a new ADA ramp was constructed. With all the design improvements, bright new floors, walls, electronic menu boards, service counters, restrooms and more, the Claremore McDonald’s is unique and exceptional.
“The new digital menu board is totally modern with state-of-the-art technology,” said Chris. “It displays special offers with crystal-clear graphics, and we can play videos and commercials to promote new products on the five electronic screens.” One screen will feature rotating McDonald’s commercials. Power is also available at designated tables with available WiFi for computer operation. “All the old is gone and has been replaced by the new,” said Chris.
The front counter is dual functioning with designated order and pick up areas. One wall sports a graphic of a classic McDonald’s store, and there is new LED lighting throughout the store, combining with the other improvements to make it a relaxing and fun atmosphere. “Because we’re located on Historic Route 66,” said Chris, “we get patrons pulling in from nearly every state and many who are visiting from abroad. Everyone seems to have an interest in Route 66 and want to travel portions of it whenever they visit our state.”
Chris is sure McDonald’s patrons are going to be pleased with the new look and improvements in the dining area. “Load up your family, come in and check us out while you enjoy your favorite McDonald’s meal.” He adds that they are interviewing and hiring for the new Claremore location.
Blankenship graduated from the University of Oklahoma and has enjoyed a lifetime career in advertising. He started his own advertising business in 1993 and enjoys creating graphic art and writing. Hobbies include hunting, fishing and pencil drawings. Duane and his wife, Janice, have been married over 50 years and are active in their church and community. He has been a contributing writer for Value News/Values Magazine since 2005.
-
1720 S. Lynn Riggs | Claremore, OK
Subscribe
For Free!