A pretty special McDonald’s was hit hard after Hurricane Helen made landfall in North Carolina and brought unprecedented devastation and destruction to many states in the Southeast.
According to a report in Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY Network, the McDonald’s in Asheville is located in the historic Biltmore Village, an 8,000-acre property that was affected by “catastrophic flooding.” It was one of the buildings.
Biltmore Village is scheduled to remain closed until Tuesday, Oct. 15, but may remain closed longer as officials begin assessing damage from the storm that killed at least 200 people.
The McDonald’s franchise, built in 2000, has been renovated to exude the “high society elegance” found in other bars, restaurants and clothing stores in Biltmore Village, Atlas Obscura reports. It was said to be called the “world’s most fashionable” McDonald’s.
Atlas Obscura reports that before Hurricane Helen completely destroyed the inside of the McDonald’s restaurant, customers were greeted by red oak tables, wrought iron railings, and “gleaming lights beneath a spacious pressed tin ceiling. It had a chandelier and all the wood features boasted beautiful finishes.”
Atlas Obscura reports that a baby grand piano in the corner of the room plays music while customers wait for their orders or munch on a Big Mac or Chicken McNugget, enhancing the dining experience. It has been further improved. McDonald’s also had a huge stone chimney.
USA TODAY has reached out to McDonald’s for additional information.
Video: ‘World’s most luxurious’ McDonald’s abandoned after Hurricane Helen
Uber and Lyft driver Vitor Sa told USA TODAY on Friday that he drives by the corner every day, even though he has never eaten there. The luxurious McDonald’s is now caked with at least a foot of mud, Sa said.
“I have a passenger this week, and their family is like, ‘I can’t go to McDonald’s and Wendy’s this week anymore,’ because they’re all closed. It’s completely destroyed,” Sa said. Ta. “Their kids miss the McDonald’s that was there.”
Contributor: Anthony Robredo