McDonald’s, that staple of American fast food since
1955, is reinventing itself. Viva McDonald’s opened
its doors to the public on Thursday, Dec. 11 on the
famed Las Vegas Strip across the street from the
Riviera Hotel and Casino and next to Circus Circus
to the north and the existing McDonalds to the
south. In fact, the original McDonald’s was in that
location for over 25 years. The technology-inspired
restaurant will be the first of its kind and is the
showcase location for the new McDonald’s Channel.
At 8,600 square feet, Viva McDonald’s will be the
largest McDonald’s restaurant in Nevada and, in true
Las Vegas style, will be open 24 hours a day, seven
days a week.
“Viva McDonald’s staff is looking forward to
providing a unique and fun dining experience for its
guests at a one-of-a-kind restaurant that can only
be found in Las Vegas,” said Brian Unger, Senior
Vice President at McDonald’s USA, LLC. “We see this
as one of our destination locations, a showcase
restaurant that people will talk about for years to
come.”
The media night included Ronald McDonald and other
McDonald characters, showgirls and the Rat Pack
along with a red Cadillac to represent the beginning
of McDonald’s from the 1950s and 1960s. Familiar
food was offered such as Big Mac, Quarter Pounder,
fries and chicken nuggets along with a Vivatini
drink for the evening and champagne to toast this
new phase.
Viva McDonald’s state-of-the-art all electric
kitchen has six platen grills, a Low Oil Volume (LOV)
fryer and will sell McCafé beverages, McDonald’s new
line of espresso coffees including mochas,
cappuccinos and lattes. Guests will also find a line
of Viva McDonald’s branded merchandise available for
purchase at the restaurant.
Adding a new element to the customer experience,
Viva McDonald’s is the first location to debut
McDonald’s Channel. Featuring Discovery
Communications content in short vignettes from
Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and Science
Channel, McDonald’s Channel brings a unique,
family-friendly dining experience that customers
from around the world can enjoy.
The exterior of Viva McDonald’s will hold four large
video screens and a giant video marquee inviting
passersby to come in and enjoy the new McDonald’s
experience. Inside, guests will find a content rich
14-screen media ring suspended in the two-story,
open ceiling dining room. Viva McDonald’s will also
offer wireless Internet to customers.
The grand opening to the public took place on Dec.
11 when Mayor Oscar Goodman assisted McDonald’s
executives in the ribbon cutting ceremony and
welcomed Viva McDonald’s to Las Vegas by giving
Ronald McDonald a key to the city. Comedy magician
Mac King partnered with Viva McDonald’s to raise
money for Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC)®
of Greater Las Vegas. On opening day, King worked
behind the Viva McDonald’s counter for one hour with
100 percent of proceeds benefiting RMHC of Greater
Las Vegas, which provides temporary housing for
families who travel to Las Vegas to receive medical
treatment for their children.
The existing McDonald’s restaurant, located next to
the new Viva McDonald’s site, served its last
customer on Dec. 10 and was closed for demolition.
So it is the same McDonald’s food with a new look.
Viva McDonald’s
2896 Las Vegas Bvld.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
www.mcdonalds.com
