McDonald's to Close for Several Months

Joanne Nuckols January 9, 2013 at 03:02 am

No, the lack of the play area doesn't bother me, but the design does. Did this go through Design Review?

Donna Evans (Editor) January 9, 2013 at 03:32 am

I've got a call into the city, actually. What bothers you about the design, Joanne?

Ron Rosen January 9, 2013 at 10:04 am

I like the new design better than the current one. I think it will look good. It just amazes me that they would give up 4 months of income for a remodel.

Ron Rosen January 9, 2013 at 10:06 am

I wonder if the 4-month shutdown will have an appreciable impact on the overall cholesterol-level and health of South Pas.

Ron Rosen January 9, 2013 at 10:39 am

Someone said on another thread that I can't find, that McDonald's is the only "free-standing fast-food restaurant" in South Pas. Not sure why it matters, but did they forget Hi-Life Burgers, Panda Express, Mamma's Brick Oven?

Joanne Nuckols January 9, 2013 at 01:22 pm

Ron, did that someone mean that McDonald's is the only free-standing fast-food restaurant with a drive-through?

John January 9, 2013 at 03:15 pm

MCd'S is the ONLY restaurant in the city with a drive-through. The city has lost $millions$ in tax revenue over the years by not permitting any other restaurants with drive-throughs. Every major chain has wanted to come to South Pasadena but passed when drive-through plans were nixed. Other quick serve restaurants in our city have been forced to close or relocate. What's the big deal about having a drive-though? At least 25% increase in sales. So, why should McD's have exclusive D-T rights? Out of fairness, their expansion - sorry, "remodel" - should have been conditional upon removing the drive-through or the city should level the playing field and re-write policy.

Joanne Nuckols January 9, 2013 at 04:13 pm

With a supposed increase in sales with drive-throughs (where is that documented?) you have an increase in traffic. Obviously you weren't around for all that debate in the 90's about banning drive-throughs and fast-food chains which aren't exactly the image South Pasadena is looking for.

John January 9, 2013 at 05:59 pm

I've lived here since 1986, Ms. Nuckols. Do you know what image South Pasadena is looking for? Do you know if there is a strategy for growing South Pasadena revenue that is not centered on increasing taxes, utility rates and service fees? I am a resident who is pro-business and pro-growth. If you're not concerned about equal treatment for all businesses in South Pasadena, you should be. Pretty easy to Google the sales documentation...

Elias Baldwin January 9, 2013 at 06:14 pm

I think it's really bizarre that they are eliminating the play area. It doesn't really fit with South Pasadena's family vibe. Maybe they figured out it's less expensive for them to not have one? Extra insurance and maintenance? I know my younger children love running around playing on that stuff.

Sam Burgess January 9, 2013 at 06:54 pm

Wait until the Tea Party realizes the flag poles have been eliminated.
D*** COMMIES!!!!

Narwhal of Reason January 9, 2013 at 07:36 pm

Hahhahaha ...cutting edge political jab right here on Patch ...you slay me

spidra January 9, 2013 at 07:47 pm

I agree with Joanne. The design is ugly and unimaginative. If they're going to rebuild it, I wish they'd made more creative use of the opportunity. This looks almost like a warehouse building.

Mary Farley January 9, 2013 at 08:16 pm

If you like the "major chain" vibe, there are lots of local cities to choose from. And yes, they are cheaper to live in. But you'll notice that when you sell your house.
Speaking of "equal treatment for all businesses," whatever happened to the debate about massage parlors? I like those. But I could travel.

Tom January 10, 2013 at 11:35 am

It was open this morning! (1/10/13)

Marvion January 11, 2013 at 05:44 am

The SP McDonalds was a taco stand back in the 1950's. A taco stand where you would stand upon the sidewalk awaiting your turn to order, and receive your food items. I know I stood there. They had a bunch of chewing gum stuck all over sidewalk area, and under, and atop counter condiment space. Much alike Two’ees was back then with only roller skate drive-in food- to- go service. Also same kind of service at A&W adjacent to SPJH, though they had double parking standards.
Who in there bright mind would even consider using any business driveway anywhere near ‘Bristol Farms’ or ‘Trader Joes’. Totally the unsafe way. O’ did you notice Bristol Farms stolen all of Rite Aids shopping carts. Also the street lamp in above photo looks ugly.

Tom January 11, 2013 at 11:39 am

McDonald's watch 2013. Still open! :-)

Donna Evans (Editor) January 11, 2013 at 12:33 pm

Really, @Tom? Wow - i did not drive over there to see if they, in fact, closed as the sign and the managers said. Wonder if a bunch of people didn't come in to work this week?! Thanks for the update.

Tom January 11, 2013 at 01:15 pm

I happen to dive by both to and from work every day. Seems like business as usual.

Sam Burgess January 11, 2013 at 01:48 pm

About a year or so ago, McDonalds made the decision to upgrade/update their 10,000+ outlets. The estimated cost of this grand re-design was to be in the vicinity of $1 billion (yes, B).
The idea was to bring a more upscale (Starbucks-type) clientele while retaining their traditional customers. As such, new McDonalds will supposedly eliminate the old plastic tables, steel chairs and bright yellow/red colors and add wooden tables, faux leather chairs and more muted lighting. Flat screen TV's will also be on the menu. Also, Wi-Fi? As to the South Pasadena McDonalds. The only designs being displayed in the present outlet is of the exterior. I guess we will have to wait until the grand re-opening to experience the new interior...... ........and pray the the D***COMMIES, noticing the removal of our All-American flag poles, do not attempt a hostile take-over of our beloved and revered McDonalds.

Donna Evans (Editor) January 11, 2013 at 03:27 pm

Just heard from McD's media person who said they don't have an exact closing date - which strikes me as rather odd since the large poster board next to the cashier reads "Jan. 9th.'' The renovations are supposed to total about $300,000. I'll update the story.

M.T. mills March 18, 2013 at 10:41 pm

I hope the South Pasadena Mc Donald’s has a more pleasant interior when finished than the recently re-built Alhambra location. The Alhambra Mc Donald’s on Main St. is ugly, loud and very uncomfortable. My family started to visit there when So Pas closed but soon gave up going there, it just isn’t an enjoyable place to eat, even for a fat food meal. Uncomfortable seating, to close together (the old booths were better), loud TV always on (not conducive to conversation) and insultingly ugly art on the walls. I don’t know what Mc Donald’s is trying to be with this new look but it looks very cheap, not at all nice like a Starbucks or even the newer Wendy’s