CRESTVIEW — The latest McDonalds remodel features a new place for kids to play in Crestview.
The McDonalds on James Lee Boulevard had its grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony March 15. Some of the new features include automated ordering kiosks, mobile ordering, and an almost entirely new staff. But the centerpiece of the remodel is a new space-themed PlayPlace, complete with interactive games and a two-story play area.
Costa Enterprises owns all three McDonalds restaurants in Crestview, along with 17 other locations around Northwest Florida. The James Lee location was the last of the Crestview McDonalds to be upgraded.
The company has used underwater themes in PlayPlaces at some of its other locations, but chose to go with an entirely new theme for this location.
“We just wanted to do something totally different than what we’ve done before,” Vice President of Operations David Costa Jr. said. “So we thought it would be kind of cool to make something that was animated and fun and enjoyable for the kids.”
The new area for kids features a more traditional play area with a slide and other features, but also includes interactive games. There is a row of touch screen stations, a touch screen tabletop with various multi-player games to choose from, and an interactive table that lights up in response to touch.
“The interactive table is a brand new element that we’re just trying out,” Costa said. “It allows the kids just to be able to play right on the table and play games against each other. It’s been pretty cool so far. The other games are really just touch-screen games that allow for kids to be able to play actively and also play digitally. So it kind of gives a nice mix in there.”
In addition to the ribbon-cutting on Thursday, the restaurant is hosting an event for families on Saturday, March 17.
“Saturday from 10 to 2, we’re doing what we call McFamily day,” Costa said. “We’ll have the McDonalds characters here. We’ll have face painting. We’ll be giving away bikes, baskets and goodies. We’ll just be having a great time.”
The remodel also features other upgrades that are in-line with the other area McDonalds restaurants. The interior and exterior were completely made over, kiosk and table services added, and the drive-thru was upgraded to digital menu boards.
Costa said adjustments were made to staff as well, bringing in 30 new employees to maximize the customer experience.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Space-themed playground part of McDonalds remodel