Neighborhood McD's Planning New Look

You may not recognize some local McDonald’s restaurants in the coming months.

The popular fast-food joint is undergoing a facelift as part of a planned overall change in marketing strategy and community appeal.

It's an initiative to try to "change with the time and needs" of McDonald's customers, said Sarah Rothe of the company's public relations department. 

Average costs for remodels are $400,000 to $700,000 with rebuilt costs varying greatly depending on the site, said Rothe. The overhaul marks a substantial investment for a venerable mainstay in American fast food dining.

Two locations in Vienna, as well as one in Chantilly and one in Herndon have already undergone the changes. Visit the remodeled restaurants to find new, contemporary interiors, more comfortable seating, splashes of colors, natural materials and lighting fixtures. 

Remodeled McD's boast about their lounge-type seating, which includes plasma screen TVs with free Wi-Fi. Larger “community” tables are meant to appeal to folks traveling with large groups or families who want to sit together.

The signature double arches outside the restaurant remain, but customers may not recognize other outdoor features. Expect more clearly defined entry into the restaurants, double-lane drive thrus (where possible), and upgraded exterior landscaping. 

This isn't the franchise's first major overhaul. Up until now the focus was on the food.

McDonald’s has upgraded many of their menu offerings. The chain's new McCafe coffees are favored by adults with young children (who still want Happy Meals), Rothe said. Even Happy Meals now include sliced apples, salads can come with low-fat dressings, and grilled chicken sandwiches tempt fast-food enthusiasts looking for healthier choices.

But beyond the value of fast service, the owners wanted an improved overall customer experience, which meant a more comfortable, eye-appealing seating layout and design.  

Area McDonalds are owned by a mixture of franchisee-owned and corporate owned. Both ownership groups are participating in the upgrades and remodels at these sites.

Upcoming remodels for 2012 are planned for the following locations: 

2475 Centreville Road, Herndon

121 West Glebe Road, Alexandria

12700 Shops Lane, Fairfax

8516 Leesburg Pike, Vienna

1000 North Henry St., Alexandria

4424 Brookfield Tower Drive, Chantilly

43250 Defender Drive, South Riding 

Completed remodels are at the following locations: 

330 Elden St., Herndon

13003 Lee Jackson Highway, Fairfax

544 Maple Ave. W., Vienna

8111 Leesburg Pike, Vienna 

To demonstrate their continuing commitment to community involvement, Van Management, a local McDonald’s management company and the Van Valkenburg family of franchisees, recently presented a check to an FCPS representative at their newly-remodeled Greenbriar restaurant (on Route 50 in Fairfax). 

This check signified the donations of over $10,000 in fiscal 2011 to Fairfax County Public Schools. It was part of the site's “grand reopening” celebration and continued partnership with Chantilly High School.