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WILKES-BARRE — McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc once said, “Always give back to the community which you do business in.”
For Pat Stella and her son Richard Corbin, co-owners of the McDonald’s franchise on East Northampton Street, the community was at the forefront of their recent decision to remodel the corner location and donate funds locally.
On Tuesday afternoon, Stella, Corbin and McDonald’s staffers along with many members of the community were on hand to celebrate the new and improved dining experience with check presentations to local agencies followed by a ribbon cutting.
“It feels great,” Stella said. “We love the community and we wanted to still be a part of the community with this remodel. The new layout is a friendly environment that all should enjoy.”
Stella said the reactions from patrons have been very positive — even saying one woman told her that the remodeled fast food establishment looked like a five-star restaurant.
The franchise sprung for touchscreen kiosks in their modern building that now allow customers to avoid potential lines and order their meal or beverage and have it delivered to their seat by one of the team members.
“Our team members will be able to assist customers with any questions they may have,” Stella noted.
Despite the new technology, patrons who prefer to pay the old fashioned way with a cashier at the register can still do so.
Corbin credited the construction workers and the franchises staff for the quick remodeling.
“We had less than a four-week turnaround,” Corbin noted. “Everyone did a great job. We are really proud of the work they did.”
Corbin also said that employees received hospitality, guest experience and technology training for the revamped direction.
The fast food chain employees anywhere between 50 to 65 members at the East Northampton Street location, according to Stella.
The co-owner did say that her franchise is always looking for new members. She mentioned a few incentives for local community members and college students, including an tuition assistance and ESL program that extends to employee family members.
“If you are a college student and want to reduce your loans, we have a program that can help.” she noted. “The Archways to Opportunity program offers $2,500 per year. As long as the person works 20 hours a week and is employed for 90 days, they qualify.”
Donations were made to the Wilkes-Barre police and fire departments, The Wilkes-Barre Catholic Youth Center, the Osterhout Free Library and Heights Elementary School.
“We thank you for keeping the community safe, teaching our children and giving the community the opportunity to participate in activities,” Stella said.
