Mid Rivers Newsmagazine is St. Charles County's exclusive direct-mailed community newspaper.
 

 

 

Restaurant Spotlight Archive

     

 

New McDonald’s Plans Month Of Fun, Prizes

By Mary Ann O'Toole Holley

 

When it comes to dining out, there are few people who haven’t crossed under the golden arches to down a Big Mac or treat their children to a round of Happy Meals.

 

So there’s no need to tout the food at Cottleville’s first and only McDonald’s Restaurant that opened this week at the corner of Weiss and Knaust roads. It’s their grand opening festivities that demand attention.

 

McDonald’s in Cottleville proves that all McDonald’s are NOT created equal.

 

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 a grand opening celebration will take place featuring the Francis Howell Central Spartan Jazz Band (9 a.m.), a blessing of the restaurant by St. Joseph-Cottleville Catholic Church Pastor James Callahan (9:45 a.m.) and a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony featuring Mayor Don Yarber, city aldermen and other city officials. Of course, a visit from Ronald McDonald, Grimace, Hamburglar and the McD Street Team will also be on the agenda.

 

More fun is slated for Saturday, Sept. 29, including photo opportunities and a chance to nuzzle up to Grimace and Hamburglar (10 a.m.-2 p.m.).

 

But don’t bother searching for those familiar “golden arches” as a landmark.

 

As the new home to Ronald and the gang opens its doors, visitors will find an upscale environment with stone accent walls, soft pastel paint colors and contemporary artwork.

 

This upscale version of the fast-food business, soon to become a hometown haven, is also bringing a barrage of fun and freebies to those who care to visit.

 

Giveaways to each and every child, gift bags and more will all be part of a nearly month-long gala to welcome area diners into owner/operator Chris Giarla’s sixth McDonald’s Restaurant in St. Charles County.

 

“McDonalds has been changing its image, and you can see that in our product lines,” said Giarla. “And with this restaurant we have tried to connect with the Cottleville image. We wanted to tie it to its rustic, historic roots.”

 

Along with the familiar McDonald’s menu, Giarla brings special events for children in his efforts to involve the Cottleville community.

 

Above all, he has chosen local residents as managers of the site: two graduates of Francis Howell Central High School.

 

Daylyn Blum, 21, a 2004 graduate and Matt McPeak, who went on to graduate from the University of Missouri-Rolla.

 

“They are young and energetic, and match the growing community,” Giarla said. “Both are hard workers who worked their way up the ranks”

 

 

McDonald’s Restaurant

Corner of Weiss & Knaust 994 Knaust Road

Cottleville, MO 63304

 

Phone: 636-244-4870