Columbus has had one fast-food outlet for the past 30 years. The McDonald’s franchise, opened by Mike Kennedy in 1995, is the only such establishment in the 100-mile stretch between Laurel and Livingston. Now, after three decades of service, the outlet is set to close at the end of April due to structural and financial challenges, leaving residents deeply saddened.
Highlights
- McDonald’s in Columbus will close on April 30, 2025, after serving for 30 years.
- It is not only a fast-food outlet for residents but also an integral part of their daily routine.
- The announcement has had a significant impact on people who have created countless memories at the only McDonald’s near them.
Three Decades of Service Came to an End
McDonald’s made its way to 601 E 8th Ave, Columbus, in 1995. Mike Kennedy opened this franchise with his wife and children after he worked for McDonald’s in Bozeman for a long time. This fast food outlet in a small town became a great part of the residents’ lives.
A few days back, the news came out that this 30-year-old outlet will bid farewell to its customers on April 30, 2025. It is one of the few fast food facilities in the town and the only McDonald’s in the 100-mile area between Livingston and Laurel. Kennedy recalls how it was equally exciting for him and the people in the town that they would have their own McDonald’s!
John Newbury is the current franchisee of this McDonald’s, but he is not the owner of the property. The property is under the ownership of McDonald’s Corporation. The structural issues and economic challenges related to it have led to the decision to close the location.
Newbury said that over the years, this old structure has been sinking, and the cost of repair work has been piling up. Plumbing and the sidewalk were repaired in the past, but after some time, new problems have come up. He tried to find a solution with McDonald’s Corp., however, nothing worked in favor of this outlet.
The decision of closure has impacted the staff as much as it has affected the customers. Most of the staff have been offered positions in the Laurel franchise.
How Did the Community React to the Announcement
In 30 years, McDonald’s in Columbus seamlessly became a part of the small-town life. From offers like coffee club mugs, where customers who came in with their mugs were served free coffees, to those who have an iced tea daily from this outlet, the legacy of McDonald’s in Columbus has been great.
People used to have their birthday parties and milestone celebrations in their beloved McDonald’s. High school students had the time of their lives with their friends, eating and laughing here. Many of them had their first part-time jobs at the outlet. The list of memories of Columbus residents at their only McDonald’s is endless.
Residents like Judy Tipton and John Petak expressed that they will definitely miss the outlet, just like other people in the town. Tipton said that she was addicted to McDonald’s iced coffee and used to have it daily. Regular customers like Hyndman will lose a spot to grab a quick bite and coffee.
Since the announcement of closure, people have expressed their grief and are pouring in their love for the last few days by visiting and ordering their favorites from McDonald’s. It might be a small loss for some, while for others, a part of their daily schedule is going away!
Kennedy and Newbury believe that this change might bring something else to Columbus. Though it is sad news, who knows if another restaurant opens up and fills the void created by the closure of McDonald’s? In 1995, no one knew that such a beloved fast food outlet would enter Columbus; the future now just holds the same hope.
