HAVERSTRAW, NY – The McDonald’s located at 254 Route 9W in Haverstraw has reportedly closed its doors for renovations as of this week. However, as of the writing of this article, their website and Google Business Profile seem to both indicate that the restaurant is still open 24 hours a day, leading to some additional confusion amongst local residents.
Fans of the golden arches need not worry, as the closure is said to only be temporary, and the beloved fast-food chain is rumored to reopen in approximately one month. The renovation comes as part of McDonald’s nationwide initiative to modernize and expand its restaurants to meet the growing demand for digital ordering and mobile-friendly dining. This initiative was started back in 2020 – but due to the pandemic was extended for several years.
What’s Changing?
In line with McDonald’s commitment to advancing the digital ordering experience, the West Haverstraw location is slated for upgrades that will streamline both mobile pickups and in-store efficiency. The improvements are rumored to include an expanded kitchen space, enhanced mobile ordering stations, and additional delivery pickup points – an ongoing point of contention amongst North Rockland Community members, some who vented their frustrations on local Facebook community groups this week. The renovations aim to reduce wait times, especially for drive-thru and mobile orders, a shift anticipated to help ease the well-known traffic build-up on Route 9W, especially during the CHPE pipeline 9w closures that have reduced traffic flow to a snarl.
“We’re seeing an increase in mobile orders and delivery requests, so these changes are really about adapting to how people want to get their food now,” a spokesperson explained. “We’re excited to introduce these upgrades to make every visit faster and more convenient for our guests.”
Mixed Reactions from the Community
The temporary closure has already sparked a lively debate among locals. Some residents voiced relief, humorously suggesting that the break from fast food might be a health bonus for the community. “People will be more healthy now,” quipped one commenter, while another joked, “Glad it’s closing – maybe it’ll give me a break from my morning cravings!”
Others are hopeful the renovations will bring long-awaited improvements. “Maybe they’ll finally fix the shake machine,” commented Eric A., referencing the ongoing nationwide frustrations with McDonald’s notorious ice cream machine issues. Another resident expressed frustration, saying, “They never have food ready at the window – always making you wait around the corner.”
On the lighter side, some locals are considering the closure a prompt to explore other local dining options. “Here’s a thought – give the local small businesses a try,” suggested Rocky Alexander, pointing to nearby eateries like Rock’s Kitchen and Sazon Pilon as alternatives during the renovation period.
However, not everyone welcomed the news. One West Haverstraw resident noted, “They just renovated not too long ago!” echoing the sentiment of others who questioned the frequency of the location’s updates. Another concerned customer, who found out about the closure while attempting to place a mobile order, said, “Went there this morning, and now the phone line’s disconnected – guess I won’t be getting breakfast here anytime soon!”
The Backstory: A Longview Renovation Strategy, Delayed by Pandemic
McDonald’s first extended its corporate deadline for required renovations in 2020 to 2022. This initiative, which includes self-order kiosks, dedicated delivery systems, and expanded drive-thru lanes, aimed to modernize the dining experience across McDonald’s U.S. locations. Franchisees who agreed to the extended timeline received a reimbursement rate of 40% rather than the previously offered 55%, according to a report by Restaurant Business. The financial shift came as McDonald’s sought to balance corporate-driven improvements with the challenges faced by local operators.
The estimated cost for each remodel was upwards of $700,000, a significant investment for franchisees already managing costs associated with royalties, rent, and seasonal equipment. Despite these financial pressures, more than half of McDonald’s domestic restaurants already adopted the new model, a trend executives say was key to staying competitive in a delivery-focused market – hypercharged by consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s CEO from 2015 to 2019, initially spearheaded the remodeling push at the beginning of his tenure 2015. Under his direction, the company pledged $6 billion to accelerate upgrades across its locations, touting the “Experience of the Future” design as a game-changer for customer satisfaction and efficiency. However, with labor costs rising and states increasingly raising minimum wage requirements, franchisees are grappling with hiring and retention challenges that could complicate investment in these costly renovations.
Some franchisees voiced their frustrations, noting that closing locations for remodels can lead to revenue loss. These pressures, combined with inconsistent sales during and after remodels, have led to friction within the franchisee network. In response, a group of McDonald’s largest franchisees voted in October to form an owner’s association, creating a unified voice on matters impacting their businesses.
The Road Ahead
While the temporary closure of West Haverstraw’s McDonald’s may inconvenience some, the franchise believes the improvements will benefit the community in the long run. Once the renovations are completed, the restaurant will offer a more streamlined and efficient experience, positioning itself to handle higher volumes of drive-thru and mobile orders.
In the meantime, customers can look forward to a faster, more modernized McDonald’s experience upon reopening. For those feeling nostalgic, nearby fast-food options like Wendy’s are just a short drive away, though one commenter quipped, “Great, now Wendy’s line at 7 p.m. will be three miles long!”