~ LaGrange now McDonaldland ~ | |
By Kevin Yopp Staff Writer The McDonalds restaurant corporation had a good day Thrusday when their stock climbed 5/8 percent on the New York Stock Exchange. But for Dianne Earing and LaGrange, Thursday was even more special because of the grand opening of McDonald's 5,410th restaurant located at KY 53 and Interstate 71. Ms. Earing, a four year veteran with McDonalds sold her two golden arched restaurant franchises in Nashville, Tennessee after the McDonald corporation offered her a new opportunity in Oldham County. Owning the only McDonalds restaurant in the entire county and much of the surrounding areas was an offer Ms. Earing couldn't refuse. "This is the happiest moment I've had with McDonlds, the new owner said as she, LaGrange Mayor Forrest Hoffman and local fire chief Louie Powell cut the rubbon opening the restaurant. "We want to become very actively involved in the community", Ms. Earing said. "We do intend to be a good citizen," she said of herself and the some 80 employees to be working at the new McDonalds. "McDonalds doesn't just come into a community and start filling the cash registers", said grand opening master of ceremonies Ronald McDonald. They will become a part of the community, as you will soon see, the most celebrated clown of the hamber circuit said. The new McDonalds impressed at least one group that day. After the ceremonial ribbon which contained a series of $10 bills was cut, the mney totalling $100 was given to the Oldham County Middle School band which played during the ceremony. But the grand opening wasn't official till Mayor Hoffman cooded the first "Quarter Pounder with cheese." After a quick cooking lesson on a semi automated grill by Ms. Earing, Hoffman donned a cook's hat and began frying. About five minutes later, two rather well constructed hamburgers were ready to be devoured. A long line of middle school band members were ready for anything the newest McDonalds cook could chef in the newst McDonalds restaurant. The restaurant will be open from 6:30 | |