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The new McDonald’s is located at 29555 N. Cave Creek Rd.
(Click picture for full size image)

Staff photo

From the lighting on the ceiling to the tile on the floor, meticulous planning went into each and every detail of the new McDonald’s on Cave Creek Road.
(Click picture for full size image)

Staff photo

Owner Ken Clement stands near one of the restaurant’s major focal points: the custom glass chandelier hanging over a set of four tailor‑made booths.
(Click picture for full size image)

McDonald’s ‑ We’re lovin’ it

McDonald’s is one of the most widely recognized brand names in the world. For more than 50 years the Golden Arches have been the symbol for quick, delicious food at economical prices.

Ken, Linda and daughter Erin Clement are a McDonald’s family, and have spent most of their lives involved with the McDonald’s corporation.

The Clements proudly unveiled a brand new restaurant near the intersection of Cave Creek Road and Tatum Boulevard that promises a unique dining experience.

Upon entering the facility, diners will be greeted by hot, bold colors and immediately notice the plush surroundings complete with original art adorning the walls and soft, leather‑like vinyl seats.

“Restaurants are meant to be comfortable, enjoyable and appetizing,” Ken says. “Most home dining rooms have art hanging on the walls. We didn’t want our restaurant to look plain and sterile like a cafeteria. The art really helps. It complements the furniture. We wanted our dining room to feel like a well‑appointed dining room in a home.”

From the lighting on the ceiling to the tile on the floor, meticulous planning went into each and every detail. Ken says he and designer Frank Camacho discussed ideas for months before construction began.

One major focal point is the custom glass chandelier hanging over a set of four custom booths. There are two paintings of horses by Cave Creek artist Chaille Trevor, along with a glass showcase featuring glasswork from Carole Perry of Laughing Glass Studio in Cave Creek.

“We wanted to use local art,” he says. “When you use local artists, it allows you to develop a more involved and intimate relationship with your community. We wanted to go local out of respect for the community and let everyone know we’re happy to be here.”

From the reactions of the Clements’ neighbors, the new McDonald’s is a welcome addition to the Cave Creek/Carefree area.

“The most frequent comment I get from people is ‘Why so long?’” Ken says. “People were looking forward to a new McDonald’s. They enjoy our food and convenience. We wanted to give folks something special and I think we’ve done it.”

For customer Harriet Cohan, McDonald’s is a part of her daily routine.

“I wake up every day and come for breakfast,” she says. “This is just what we needed. It’s beautiful. McDonald’s is a family tradition at our house.”

Ken and Linda met at a McDonald’s, where he was a manager and she was a worker. They’ve been married 36 years.

The new store is their sixth franchise.

“I spent 23 years working for the McDonald’s corporation and 17 years as an owner/operator. I’ve been with McDonald’s for 40 years. I’m a hands‑on franchisee,” Ken says. “I’ll mop the floors or work behind the counter during lunch hour. Empty the trash, whatever it takes.

When your staff sees you doing that, it makes a big statement.”

Erin Clement will manage the new restaurant having begun her journey as a crew person and worked her way up through the ranks. Linda handles the administrative end of the business.

“We’ve put a lot of work into making the new restaurant special,” Erin says. “We tried to design it with the community in mind. I think the local art work is my favorite part. There’s not so much a theme as there is a feel.”

The restaurant also features activities for the kids to keep themselves occupied. Located in a private corner are five computers loaded with games for all ages–and they’re free.

“We didn’t have room outside for a Playland and we didn’t want to detract from the ambience of the restaurant, so we installed this area for the kids,” Ken says. “Some of our other locations have the kids’ areas outside. There just wasn’t room here.”

From little walk‑up burger stands to elaborate restaurants, the Clements have seen a lot of change in their 40 years in the business.

“We understand the industry and the evolution that’s necessary to make each customer’s dining experience enjoyable,” he says.

McDonald’s has long been very active with community youth programs. The Clements made it their priority to visit area schools to talk with teachers, principals and parent groups and offer their assistance as a way of giving back.

“We let them know we are here to offer any assistance needed to help them with their school projects,” Ken says. “There is not a school anywhere that can’t use a little help with their funding.

We went to the schools before a spade was in the ground.

“For instance, we are sponsoring a “Principals’ Night,” he says. “They will run from 4‑7:30 (p.m.) and the winning school receives 20 percent of the receipts during that time. And, the school with the most customers gets a $1,000 bonus. We want people to know we aren’t here strictly to make a buck. We want to be a part of the community.

“Believe it when I say we are really excited to be here.”

The new McDonald’s is located at 29555 N. Cave Creek Rd. Hours are 5 a.m.‑11 p.m. Sun.‑Thur. and 5 a.m.‑midnight Fri.‑Sat. Call (480) 515‑1583 for information.

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