Efficient Fast Food at Rebuilt McDonald's

The town's oldest fast food restaurant not only has a new look, it has an entirely new building.

The rebuilt structure reflects the energy efficiency concerns of the 21st Century, according to the owner, with LED lighting inside and out, energy efficient fryers and used oil that is turned into bio-diesel fuel.

Owner Rachel Deane said she hired 68 workers for the restaurant which will offer 24-hour drive-through service, another first for Cheshire. The restaurant's new digital sign is also the only one in town.

The first Cheshire McDonald's opened in 1976,  said long-time manager Maureen Degnan. The restaurant opened the first drive-through in town in 1995, Degnan said. She's worked at the South Main Street business for 25 years. 

At Monday's ribbon cutting ceremony, Degnan along with Deane and town officials posed in front of the fully landscaped restaurant as customers lined up inside for an early lunch and a view of the interior.

Several large murals capture the history of Cheshire with a a downtown scene from the '50s and a cleverly framed photo of the historic Lock 12 park along the Farmington Canal Greenway. 

As part of the opening celebration, Deane will donate up to $2,000 to the Cheshire Relay for Life fundraiser.