Staff Writer
CARIBOU — While many in Caribou may not be loving the fact that the town will be without a McDonalds until mid-summer, the renovations of the new fast-food restaurant will be well worth the wait.
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
When the Caribou McDonalds reopens this summer, customers will experience a more contemporary dining experience including a double drive-thru, bistro seating and the new McCafé.
The new, contemporary design planned for the completely rebuilt restaurant is based on McDonald’s new Forever Young motif which, according to Caribou McDonald’s owner Heidi Abbottoni, “Incorporates a McCafé, bistro seating and contemporary dining designs.”
The new building will accommodate 74 guests with the ambiance of a relaxing, friendly coffee house; staying true to that coffee-house feeling, the menu will reflect the vibe and incorporate cappuccinos, mochas and lattes made with espresso.
While the restaurant’s interior will be made for relaxation and comfort, the exterior is geared up to meet the needs of the customer-on-the-go; a double drive-thru is scheduled to be built with the intent of improving the customers’ experience in both order accuracy and drive-thru speed of service.
“McDonald’s is committed to a contemporary restaurant design that provides our customers with a welcoming, inviting and memorable dining experience every time they visit one of our restaurants,” said Abbottoni, who also owns McDonald’s locations in Presque Isle, Lincoln, and Houlton with her husband, Daryl. “We felt it was time to re-invest in the Caribou location to reflect an environment that is modern, dynamic, enjoyable and entertaining — whenever and wherever our customers visit us.”
Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott
The Caribou McDonald’s, built first in 1972 and remodeled in the late ‘80s, was completely torn down in early April. The fast food restaurant is scheduled to open midsummer.
This is the first time the restaurant is being completely rebuilt.
While the Caribou McDonald’s usually employs a total of approximately 50 individuals (half part-time employees), the entire management team (10 employees) has been relocated to the Presque Isle and Houlton McDonald’s locations during renovations.
While rumors have abounded inthe community, there will not be a Play-place in the new McDonald’s.
“The Caribou location is going to be rebuilt entirely with a new, contemporary design that allows flexibility through materials and color to adapt to the local community,” Abbottoni said. “Special features include zoned seating based on the customer preferences, higher ceilings with recessed down lighting and pendant lights that create pleasant dining areas; more contemporary seating and furniture — booths, chairs— and free Wi-Fi service.
