Current:Home > BackVideo shows 'world's fanciest' McDonald's, complete with grand piano, gutted by Helene-InfoLens
Video shows 'world's fanciest' McDonald's, complete with grand piano, gutted by Helene
View Date:2024-12-23 16:55:17
A pretty special McDonald's took a big hit after Hurricane Helene rolled into North Carolina, which caused unprecedented devastation and destruction to a number of states across the Southeast.
The McDonald's, located in Asheville, was one of many structures in the historic Biltmore Village, an 8,000-acre property affected by "catastrophic flooding," according to reporting by Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Biltmore Village is expected to remain closed until Tuesday, Oct. 15, but may remain shuttered longer as crews begin to assess the damages caused by the storm, which killed at least 200 people.
The McDonald's franchise, built in 2000, was renovated to exude the "high-society elegance" that other bars, restaurants, clothing stores within the Biltmore Village, and was dubbed the "world's fanciest" McDonald's, according to reporting by Atlas Obscura.
Before Hurricane Helene completely gutted the inside of the McDonald's, customers were greeted with red oak tables, wrought iron railings, "and luminous chandeliers under a sweeping pressed-tin ceiling, with every wood feature boasting a handsome finish," Atlas Obscura reported.
A baby grand piano stationed in the corner only elevated the dining experience, playing music as customers waited for their orders or tucked into Big Macs and Chicken McNuggets, Atlas Obscura reported. The McDonald's even had a giant stone chimney.
USA TODAY has reached out to McDonald's for additional information.
Watch: 'World's fanciest' McDonald's left in ruins after Hurricane Helene
As an Uber and Lyft driver, Vitor Sa drives by the corner everyday despite never eating there, he told USA TODAY on Friday. The fancy McDonald's is now caked by at least a foot of mud, Sa said.
"I have passengers this week that I picked up and their family is just like 'We're not going to be able to go to McDonald's and Wendy's anymore this week,' because they're all closed. They're completely destroyed," Sa said. "Their kids are missing the McDonald's that was there."
Contributing: Anthony Robledo
veryGood! (1321)
Related
- Nelly will not face charges after St. Louis casino arrest for drug possession
- Her dog died from a respiratory illness. Now she’s trying to help others.
- St. Louis prosecutor, appointed 6 months ago, is seeking a full term in 2024
- Need an Ugly Christmas Sweater Stat? These 30 Styles Ship Fast in Time for Last-Minute Holiday Parties
- Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says next year will be his last in office; mum on his plans afterward
- Who are the starting quarterbacks for New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers?
- Soda for your dog? Jones releases drink catered to canines (and 'adventurous' owners)
- Khloe Kardashian's Kids True and Tatum and Niece Dream Kardashian Have an Adorable PJ Dance Party
- 'Dangerous and unsanitary' conditions at Georgia jail violate Constitution, feds say
- Which NFL teams are in jeopardy of falling out of playoff picture? Ranking from safe to sketchy
Ranking
- 'Wheel of Fortune' contestant makes viral mistake: 'Treat yourself a round of sausage'
- Which college has won the most Heisman trophies? It's a four-way tie.
- Hopes for a Mercosur-EU trade deal fade yet again as leaders meet in Brazil
- Stock market today: Asian shares slide after retreat on Wall Street as crude oil prices skid
- Get $103 Worth of Tatcha Skincare for $43.98 + 70% Off Flash Deals on Elemis, Josie Maran & More
- A milestone for Notre Dame: 1 year until cathedral reopens to public after devastating fire
- Who are the Houthis and why hasn’t the US retaliated for their attacks on ships in the Middle East?
- What does 'delulu' mean? Whether on Tiktok or text, here's how to use the slang term.
Recommendation
-
Stop What You're Doing—Moo Deng Just Dropped Her First Single
-
A nurse’s fatal last visit to patient’s home renews calls for better safety measures
-
1000-Lb. Sisters’ Tammy Slaton Returns Home After 14-Month Stay in Weight Loss Rehab
-
Turkish President Erdogan visits Greece in an effort to mend strained relations
-
After entire police force resigns in small Oklahoma town, chief blames leaders, budget cuts
-
They're not cute and fuzzy — but this book makes the case for Florida's alligators
-
Hanukkah Lights 2023
-
You Only Have 72 Hours to Shop Kate Spade’s 80% Off Deals, $59 Bags, $12 Earrings, $39 Wallets, and More