The McDonald's restaurant at 501 South Grand Ave. West is slated for a major remodel beginning this month.
Steve Jeffers, owner of Jeffers Enterprises and operator of several McDonald's locations in Springfield, says the remodel is part of a nationwide "modernization" program for McDonald's restaurants.
Jeffers Enterprises obtained permits this week to remodel the South Grand McDonald's. According to Jeffers, the remodel will include exterior changes like removing the familiar red and yellow roof in favor of a more modern design. Additionally, the restaurant will soon have digital menus at the drive-thru, a smartphone-based ordering and pay system, self-ordering kiosks and curbside pickup.
"It's something we internally call 'the experience of the future,' " Jeffers said.
McDonald's has remodeled about 55 percent of its restaurants across the U.S. so far, Jeffers says, and McDonald's has partnered with franchisees to accelerate the remodels by sharing costs.
Jeffers jokes that a car accident which damaged the South Grand McDonald's earlier this year also moved up the remodel, but he says the redesign and upgrades have been planned for several years. Construction will begin June 26 and last about nine weeks. During that time, the restaurant will remain open, although Jeffers says the dining room will be closed for about five weeks.
The contractors on the project are Peter Schwabe Inc., Schwartz Electric and Prairie Contractors Inc.
Additional permits granted by the city in the past week include the following:
HSHS St. John's Hospital obtained a building permit to remodel a laboratory at 800 E. Carpenter St. The contractor is O'Shea Builders. The hospital is also in the process of remodeling its intensive care unit.
Prairieland Development LLC obtained a plumbing permit for a commercial unit build out at 3064 E. Ash St., the Route 66 Crossing retail center. The contractor is Ridings Plumbing. The space is still seeking a tenant, according to the company.
