The latest on Bridgeport’s home of the golden arches indicates that it’s almost McBuilding time.

John Ebert, owner of the West Main Street McDonald’s and more than a dozen others in the region, received word that construction time is just around the corner. The present restaurant will close the second week of July, said Lisa Cook, marketing director. Demolition of that structure and building of the new one will follow shortly.

After a couple of initial glitches with regard to the rebuild, it looks like all systems are go, Cook said.

"They are working on the final set of papers, so we do have our fingers crossed,” she said. “This is a large task to be working with the city, the county and the state on a project of this size. We will keep our customers and the community updated throughout this process.”

 

 

As had been planned, local elementary students have been invited to track progress of the rebuild.

“We are working with the students to grow vegetables over the summer,” Cook said. “While they are watching the carrots, lettuce and radishes grow, they can watch our McDonald’s grow.”

Seed packets have been distributed to those students and with summer vacation starting next week, the timing is right, Cook said.

Bridgeport Middle School students also have a role to play in the project, as the school is working with McDonald’s on a fund-raising project – one unique for the area. The Bridgeport High School marketing class is also on board, contributing ideas on how to promote the new restaurant. Students are also working on a design for a BHS sandwich, Cook said.

The current store’s “goodbye” party is scheduled for 12:30-4:30 p.m. June 9 and feature an appearance by Ronald McDonald and giveaways. Members of the community are called upon to help in the planning process.

 

“If you were an employee of the Bridgeport McDonald’s over the years, we would love to see your pictures and/or hear your stories,” Cook said.

Those photos and stories can be emailed to Julie@connect-bridgeport.com.

Also upcoming is a trivia series, to be served up here on Connect-Bridgeport.com. 

 

Read the original story about the McDonald's rebuild HERE.