Current:Home > reviewsVideo shows 'world's fanciest' McDonald's, complete with grand piano, gutted by Helene -Wealth Evolution Experts
Video shows 'world's fanciest' McDonald's, complete with grand piano, gutted by Helene
View
Date:2025-04-12 21:08:54
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! (248)
Related
- 'Malcolm in the Middle’ to return with new episodes featuring Frankie Muniz
- Swap Sugary Drinks for a 33% Discount on Poppi Prebiotic Soda Before Amazon Prime Day 2024 Ends
- Common talks Jennifer Hudson feature on new album, addresses 'ring' bars
- Gareth Southgate resigns as England manager after Euro 2024 final loss
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- Save 62% on the Internet-Famous COSRX Snail Mucin Essence: Shop Now Before it Sells Out
- Hall of Fame RB Terrell Davis says he was placed in handcuffs on United Airlines flight
- How Good are Re-Planted Mangroves at Storing Carbon? A New Study Puts a Number on It
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Rite Aid closing dozens of additional stores. Here's where.
Ranking
- Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
- New search launched for body of woman kidnapped, killed 54 years ago after being mistaken for Rupert Murdoch's wife
- Tornado hits Des Moines, weather service confirms. No injuries reported
- Hawaii DOE Still Doesn’t Have A Plan For How To Spend Farm-To-School Funds
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- 2024 RNC Day 1 fact check of the Republican National Convention
- Early Amazon Prime Day 2024 Luggage Deals: 66% Off Samsonite, U.S. Traveler, Traveler's Choice & More
- Natalie Portman Breaks Silence on Benjamin Millepied Divorce
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Trump’s escape from disaster by mere inches reveals a tiny margin with seismic impact
Victim of Texas inmate set for execution was loving schoolteacher, pillar of her community
BBC Journalist John Hunt Speaks Out After Wife, Daughters Are Killed in Crossbow Attack
NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
After Trump assassination attempt, CEOs speak out but stay mum on election
Early Amazon Prime Day 2024 Luggage Deals: 66% Off Samsonite, U.S. Traveler, Traveler's Choice & More
Sean O'Brien, Teamsters union chief, becomes first Teamster to address RNC