Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Charlie & Debbie

Weekdays 3:00PM - 7:00PM

The Last OG McDonald’s Shuts Down

By Charlie & Debbie April 10th

Just hearing that a McDonald’s shut down is news.  Look, I will never have the money to own a fast-food franchise.  However, if I did there are two that appear to be the safest investments on earth.  One, have you driven by a Chick-Fil-A at lunch lately?  And two, McDonald’s.  Seriously, I’ve seen locations closed for remodeling or renovation or even relocation.  I have NEVER seen a Mickey D’s shuttered for a reason like lack of business.

Burger King?  Yes.  Wendy’s?  Yes.  KFC?  Sure.  The place where “I’m lovin’ it?”   Not a chance.  So, hearing that a McDonald’s in Belleville, Illinois has closed, that in itself is news.  What makes this even more intriguing though is that this location was the last in America to have the OG McDonald’s arch out front.

Notice I used the singular, “arch.”  My whole life, McDonald’s has had the nickname, “The Golden Arches” based on it’s iconic logo and storefront signage.  This store in Illionois was the last in America to have the original, single arch logo sign.

Interestingly, as you can see in the pic below, the store itself had been updated in recent years to the corporation’s more modern store design.  And again, this is not a situation where the sign was removed.  This is not a situation where the store is being renovated.  No, this is a shutdown of a McDonald’s franchise.

You just don’t see this everyday, and you REALLY don’t see the old school Mickey D’s logo on the regular.  Puzzling end of an era as a McDonald’s closes its doors in Illionois.

7 Fast Food Restaurants We Wish Would Come To North Carolina

We do have some good fast food here in North Carolina. I know I personally could not live without Chick-fil-a. No matter how long the line is I seem to end up there at least once a week. And North Carolina’s own Bojangles and Cookout is a southern staple. Of course, we have all the heavy hitter chains like Mcdonalds’, Burger King, Wendy’s, etc. But just like Bojangles and Cookout are North Carolina institutions there are chains local to other parts of the country that we (unfortunately) don’t have here. If you’ve traveled outside of the state chances are you’ve had the chance to dine at a fast food restaurant that we don’t have in North Carolina. And some of them leave you begging for them to open one up here.

When Shake Shack opened its first Charlotte location the line was wrapped around the building for weeks with people desperate to try it. Chains are going more national now, I think Chick-fil-a has finally made it to California. With that in mind, I created this list of 7 fast food restaurants I wish would come to North Carolina. Some that could be a possibility as they have started coming closer to this area. A few only have locations in southern California making a North Carolina expansion highly unlikely. A girl can dream though. I’m planning a trip next month to Arizona where I’ll get to try some of these for the first time. Cannot wait! Have you tried any of these restaurants or know of any others you’d like to see here? Let us know!

  • Del Taco

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cm918pFoo0l/

    Taco Bell is great and all, but Del Taco is the best of everything serving not only Mexican favorites but burgers, fries, and shakes as well. I never knew I needed a milkshake with my fast food tacos but now I definitely do! The chain is based out of California and has 592 locations. The closest ones to us are in Georgia. Maybe North Carolina will be next?

  • In N' Out

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnh2FqMyzVH/

    In N’ Out has such a cult following that I’m sure you’ve heard of it even if you’ve never stepped foot in one. The burger chain is famous for it’s “animal style” entrees. It’s mainly located in the Southwest with Texas and Colorado being the closest location to us.

  • Wienerschnitzel

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CnSQPkysOQo/

    If for no other reason than the time I want Wienerschnitzel to come to South Carolina. How fun would it be to just say “I’m going to Wienerschnitzel want anything?”. The menu of course includes hotdogs and corndogs but also burgers, fries, and a meatball sub. Locations are in Arizona, California, New Mexico and other western states. You’d have to go to Texas to find the closest Wienerschnitzel.

  • Eggslut

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CoBqEdBrXPR/

    Another one that wins just because of the name. They are self-described as “a chef-driven, gourmet food concept inspired by a true love for eggs.” These breakfast items are a step up from your typical fast food fare and are all made from high-quality ingredients. There are only 5 US locations along with several international ones. The US ones are in California and Vegas so doesn’t look like a North Carolina expansion is imminent.

  • Roscoe's House Of Chicken & Waffles

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CoDku6Tv5FX/

    This soul food fast food chain has 7 locations in the greater LA area. Fried chicken, homestyle sides, waffles, sandwiches, and even chicken liver makes up the menu of Roscoe’s. Fast food definitely doesn’t look like this in North Carolina.

  • Fatburger

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CnUp5sgujZS/

    Fatburger considers itself the Last Great Hamburger Stand. While it is a fast food restaurant, the food is cooked and made to order. Some Fatburger restaurants have liquor licenses as well as “fat bars.” Unfortunately, all the locations are in the southern part of California. The burgers, wings, and fries all look incredible.

  • King Taco

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn274FBJtRz/

    Southern California gets all the good spots. King Taco, another LA based chain, serves soft tacos, burritos, sopes, tamales, nachos, Mexican drinks, and even rotisserie chicken at some locations.

Sign me up for the Country 103.7 email newsletter!

Members get exclusive insights into new music, music news, contests, quizzes, and more!

*
*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Tags
,,