Meet Your Local Business: McDonald's

McDonalds
16831 Hwy 13 South
Prior Lake, MN 55372
(952) 447-8511
http://www.mcminnesota.com/5538


Is McDonald's a true local shopping experience?  At first glance, it seems incongruous.  But taking a look at and enjoying time spent at Joshua Choate’s Prior Lake McDonald's, it becomes apparent that an iconic, multinational brand like McDonald’s can feel like a burger place in Mayberry.

What actually makes this possible is the personal touch that Choate brings to the store.  He’s hands on, seriously hands on, to the point of spending twelve to fourteen hours a day working with customers.  He knows many of his regulars by name.  He is genuinely interested in not simply what they are ordering, but who they are as people. 

Josh lived in Prior Lake for over six years before he and his wife, April and three children moved to New Prague in 2011.  His history and interest in McDonald's goes back to his youth as he watched his Dad work for the company.  “I grew up around McDonald's,” he says.  “I learned this business hanging out with him.” 

Josh said, “My priority was to give the restaurant a real identity within the community.  I wanted it to really feel like Prior Lake, to have that home town essence to it.”  He has succeeded admirably.  It’s a popular hang out for the Prior Lake football team and many from the school treat it as a popular meet-up.  He’s also attached importance to staying engaged with local church and youth groups.  Not surprising, perhaps, for a young man who attended North Park University with studies in youth ministry and music. 

The McDonald's here in Prior Lake has been open for over twenty-five years.  Purchasing it from his Dad in 2012 has motivated him to keep the restaurant at its most innovative and engaging.  He cites “many new healthy options on the menu” as an important step in staying with the times. 

The current location opened in spring of 2013. The previous restaurant was demolished to make way for the new, more contemporary McDonald’s design.  There’s no doubt that the new look and even better menu are still hugely popular here.  Taking into consideration the commitment and passion Choate brings to his work as owner and manager, it seems McDonald's will remain an important community fixture for years to come.