Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
The McDonald’s on MacArthur Boulevard tradition in Springfield ends this month after nearly 60 years. A statement from current owner/operator Dave Kaspryzk on Monday indicated the restaurant at 1825 S. MacArthur Blvd. would close Jan. 31 in order for him to concentrate on his franchises in Chatham and at 501 South Grand Ave. E. in Springfield.
“We are choosing to invest our resources into other restaurants within our organization at this time,” Kaspryzk said in the statement. “We’ve been honored to serve our loyal customers (on MacArthur) and to be part of this community.”
Kaspryzk said employees at the MacArthur Boulevard location have been offered positions at the Chatham and South Grand Avenue stores.
The MacArthur Boulevard McDonald’s opened in 1961, according to archives at The State Journal-Register. The restaurant was the subject of extensive media coverage in 1966 when then-Mayor Nelson Howarth purchased what McDonald’s said was its 2 billionth burger.
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Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin, whose ward includes the MacArthur Boulevard location, said Monday he was disappointed to learn of the closing. He said he understood the shutdown was related to extensive remodeling and updating of the McDonald’s at Chatham Road and Wabash Avenue, and the opening of a new McDonald’s at 2303 W. Monroe St.
“McDonald’s doesn’t want the stores competing with each other,” said McMenamin, who added that he hoped to convince the company there is still a future for the franchise at the MacArthur Boulevard site. “I think there’s much more potential there for McDonald’s,” said McMenamin.
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Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 