Fast Food Chain Restaurant to return to Dinkytown location after years away
Almost three years after the departure of the renowned golden arches from the area, McDonald’s is gearing up for a comeback in Dinkytown.
The well-known fast-food brand had been a go-to spot for students at the intersection of Fourth Street Southeast and 15th Avenue Southeast for 57 years until it shut its doors in December 2020. Now, plans are in place for a new McDonald’s to open its doors next week at the same location, now beneath the newly erected Identity apartment complex.
This new establishment will feature a fully digital setup, complete with kiosks for placing orders. Notably, there won’t be a drive-thru, a departure from the old setup, as shared by Melissa Smith-Kennedy, the owner of the upcoming McDonald’s. Smith-Kennedy expressed her enthusiasm about reopening in Dinkytown, citing the student population and the long-standing history the previous McDonald’s had in the area.
She further mentioned her eagerness to operate in a student-centric locale, valuing the deep-rooted connection McDonald’s has had with Dinkytown and its inhabitants, as well as the distinctive community vibe students offer. While she respects the heritage of the former establishment, Smith-Kennedy emphasized that the new outlet will adapt to better cater to the student community.
LoRusso highlighted how the expansive eatery, with its vibrant red and yellow facade and distinctive design, was a standout amidst the compact student accommodations and local enterprises. Inside, the ambiance harkened back to the 1970s, reflecting the restaurant’s early days, offering a nostalgic contrast to the evolving surroundings of the neighborhood.
