McDonald's on MU's Lowry Mall to remain open

COLUMBIA — Campus cravings for Big Macs and fries will be satisfied for another three years after an agreement was announced Friday between MU and McDonald’s.

The two parties reached a “mutually beneficial” agreement extending the lease of the Lowry Mall McDonald’s, which had been scheduled to end Monday. MU spokesman Christian Basi cited record enrollment at MU for the 2008-2009 school year and the temporary closing of the Brady Food Court on campus as reasons for the decision. The food court will close temporarily in January, said Michelle Froese, MU Student Auxiliary Services spokeswoman.

“We know that this has been a very popular spot with everyone that has been on campus,” Basi said. “We wanted to maintain dining options for individuals who would be on campus during the day.”

McDonald’s spokeswoman Lili Vianello said that it was standard for McDonald’s to review the location of a restaurant before lease renewal. The location had previously considered not renewing its lease because of concerns over accessibility and competition with university dining plans and other McDonald’s restaurants in the area. The McDonald’s location has been open since 1978.

Restaurant patrons Anne and Tony Thomas said they were glad the McDonald’s would remain open.

“We really admire the way they run this McDonald’s,” Anne Thomas said. “It’s nice to have a place to get in and get out. They’re probably faster than anyone in town.”