Totally new McDonald's opened at midnight in Bucktown

As May 24 inched into existence just after midnight, the doors opened to the spotlessly clean new  McDonald's facility at Western and Milwaukee Avenues (1951 N. Western).

The first 52 people coming through the door were given a card that entitles them to a Big Mac once a week for the next year. 

Originally opened in 1983, McDonald's was turned to rubble earlier this year when franchisees Carmen and John De Carrier, who have owned that franchise for 9 years,

decided to rebuild the structure.

As Anthony Cayce, McDonald's field consult for the Milwaukee Ave. location, explained, "The land and building are owned by McDonald's but the franchisee paid for the new construction. It is a great location." 

Earlier in the evening, there was an opening ceremony where De Carrier gave a $1,000 to Erie Neighborhood House, Clemente High School and 1st Ward Alderman Moreno's choice Goethe School.