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One of the most unique McDonald’s locations in the United States is set to disappear after plans were approved to demolish the restaurant and replace it with a modern redesign.
The restaurant, located at 359 Agler Road in Gahanna, Ohio, stands out from most McDonald’s locations thanks to its retro appearance.
The building features a giant golden arch wrapped around the structure, a vintage-style roadside sign, and a walk-up ordering window, preserving a look that has largely vanished from the chain.
However, the Gahanna Planning Commission has now approved plans to tear down the restaurant and replace it with a new building based on McDonald’s current design standards.
The change has drawn attention because the location is believed to be one of the last examples of a McDonald’s Classic restaurant still operating.
Ohio McDonald’s Classic approved for demolition
While the restaurant itself became a McDonald’s in 1994, Franklin County Auditor records show the building dates back to 1969.
Planning documents show the replacement restaurant will be roughly twice the size of the existing building and will continue to focus primarily on drive-thru service. The new layout will include two ordering stations, two drive-thru windows, additional parking spaces, and a self-service pickup window designed mainly for delivery drivers.
Like the current location, the replacement restaurant will not include indoor dining.
McDonald's Classic store with sign1 of 3
The most noticeable change will be the exterior design. The restaurant’s oversized golden arch and retro styling will be removed in favor of the darker modern design that has become standard across newer McDonald’s locations nationwide.
According to McDonald’s Wiki, a fan-run website dedicated to documenting the chain’s history, the Gahanna location may be the final remaining McDonald’s Classic restaurant in operation. McDonald’s has not publicly confirmed that claim.
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While the Gahanna location is losing its retro look, McDonald’s recently revealed a very different vision for the future.
Earlier in June, the chain unveiled a new restaurant concept featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls, outdoor seating, expanded dining areas, self-service pickup stations, and a large enclosed PlayPlace that could be used in future remodel projects.
