BIZNOTE: Morgan Junction McDonald’s closing for overhaul

Another West Seattle McDonald’s is closing for an overhaul. That sign, displayed on the doors and drive-thru menuboard at the Morgan Junction McDonald’s (6546 California SW), announces it’s closing after tonight. The sign doesn’t estimate how long the closure will last, but the person who tipped us to this says they spoke to some “VIPs” on the site who told them it would be about two months. The restaurant closed for a few weeks back in December, but permit filings indicated that mostly involved equipment upgrades. That’s most of the information visible regarding this closure too – the online summary says, “Remodel existing McDonald’s restaurant. Update mechanical systems and new kitchen hoods.” An earlier tip – which we weren’t able to confirm – said this remodel is expected to be “extensive.” Another area McDonald’s, the one at Westwood Village, recently reopened after a major overhaul.

SIDE NOTE: City permit files also show another remodel on the drawing board for the Admiral McDonald’s (3003 California SW), which was overhauled five years ago. This probably won’t start for a while as the early “pre-application” was just filed a week ago.

WS4LIFE April 14, 2023 (10:56 pm)

Seems like they also did an overhaul of their staff when they closed back in December too… All the longtime employees no longer work there… Seems odd to me…

Drako April 15, 2023 (12:38 am)

It appears MCD is trying to get all stores into the same format. Could mean a smaller dining area, zero full service register, and now all SCO style ordering kiosk – Westwood is following the model I’ve seen going across the country.Mind you, quite a few stores are at least considering “doing away with” full service checkouts, so we should expect this to become the new normal.

Auntie April 15, 2023 (10:03 am)

In other words, “no service” checkouts. Like the Taco Time at 35th & Fauntleroy. I went in there and not one person made eye contact with me or spoke to me. I ordered on a screen while the workers walked around not even looking at the customers. When my order came up, someone yelled my name and handed me a bag, again not making eye contact or saying thank you or buzz off. Maybe robots would be more pleasant. At least they could be programmed with fake courtesy.
- I love tacos April 15, 2023 (11:16 am)
  
  That Taco Time used to be awesome. It’s a bummer that the service has gone downhill lately. You always have to double check your order and the workers act like you’re a bother. I thought I read they paid their employees a decent range but everyone there seems to hate their job. I wish there was a decent taco place in that area :(
- Frog April 15, 2023 (6:20 pm)
  
  Better face it — machines are better than people at everything. Since the release of ChatGPT, they are even better at complaining. All of us here in the comments section of WSB could be replaced by machines.

Me April 15, 2023 (8:10 am)

I hear the food is awful

oerthehillz April 15, 2023 (8:28 am)

I noticed the new check out kiosk at my local McD’s too, across from PCC. I stood there for a long time at the counter while the employees just chatted away. I had no idea. When they finally came over and took my order (like I was some sort of idot) they never even took the opportunity to inform me. After watching all the highschoolers pour in, then I realized what I unknowingly did wrong. Doh!

TB April 15, 2023 (9:08 am)

Perhaps an ice cream machine that works?

Brian April 15, 2023 (10:14 am)

If the remodel doesn’t include a walk-up window then they messed up.

Alki resident April 15, 2023 (11:18 am)

I was at Burger Shack In University Village recently. We had to use a dirty kiosk to order which was hell to figure out and order. We waited 30 minutes for our food until we were finally out of patients and were told our food was outside waiting for us in a to go window. We made them remake the food and shakes, there was nobody to ask questions and I refuse to touch those nasty kiosks. Won’t be back.

Jeepney April 15, 2023 (2:57 pm)

Should have gone to Burgermaster (and their days are numbered).
- Alki resident April 15, 2023 (4:33 pm)
  
  We said that for 30 minutes, ha.

Rick April 15, 2023 (12:32 pm)

This, friends, is the face of the future. Until they get a bud light movement bestowed upon them.

Maybe James April 15, 2023 (6:04 pm)

Yeah… because automation is “woke.”

justwow April 15, 2023 (4:38 pm)

Wish they’d remodel it into a Wendy’s.

Shrike Corp May 2, 2023 (10:51 pm)

…or literally anything else.

K in WS April 15, 2023 (7:57 pm)

Pre-pandemic, I used to go here all the time. Then they shut the dining room and went all drive through. Only cars :( Then they reduced the hours when it was open. I’ve given up trying to get food from there :(

Sue H April 16, 2023 (2:15 am)

I spoke with a manager there in early March on an unrelated matter and he mentioned that during the closure in December the renovation never actually happened. Somebody dropped the ball on one of the permits, but they still had to close for 2 weeks or so because they’d already reassigned their staff elsewhere and due to employment laws regarding scheduling they couldn’t change the staffing on such short notice. So they had to close while they did nothing to the store. Their plan was to close sometime in April, and that they would be closed for about 3 months while doing an extensive renovation. Sounded like they may be returning to inside seating/service at that time as well as a double drive through.