GENTRY — Though construction at the new Gentry restaurant continues, McDonald’s opening date is only a week away.
“The world’s newest McDonald’s Restaurant opens in Gentry, Ark., U.S.A. on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010,” a press release from Mathews Management Co. states.
Concrete driveways and parking areas were poured over the last few weeks, signs are being put up, the drive-through is in place and work continues both inside and outside the new facility.
The state-of-the art restaurant is 3,300 square feet and contains seating for 50 people, the release states.
The interior was designed by Steve Knitch with JBI of Long Beach, Calif. Local Gentry area photographs were done by James Bell. Frank Walburn of Greenscapes designed the external landscaping.
The restaurant will feature a 24-hour drive-through with digital audio communication system and digital customer order display. It also features the latest in restaurant equipment technology, including an automated beverage system which produces drivethrough beverages automatically; low oil volume-efficient fryers; and electronic clamshell grills.
The restaurant will have the full McDonald’s standard menu, including the Dollar Menu. Also featured is the McCafe with espresso-based beverages, frappes and smoothies.
Bill and Walter Mathews are the Owner/Operators. Their company, Mathews Management Co. based in Springdale, currently operates 32 McDonald’s Restaurants in Northwest Arkansas, Southwest Missouri and Northeast Oklahoma.
Steve Lewis is the area supervisor for the restaurant. Amy Bouyear will be the restaurant manager. She has been with Mc-Donald’s for over 22 years and has most recently been the restaurant manager in Siloam Springs.
The restaurant will employabout 50 crew and managers, with most coming from the Gentry area.
The new restaurant is located at the intersection of Arkansas Highways 12 and 59.
For more information, contact Mathews Management Co. at 751-9617.
News, Pages 1 on 09/01/2010