Current:Home > ScamsVideo shows 'world's fanciest' McDonald's, complete with grand piano, gutted by Helene -CapitalWay
Video shows 'world's fanciest' McDonald's, complete with grand piano, gutted by Helene
View
Date:2025-04-17 20:49:14
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! (72724)
Related
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Why experts say you shouldn't bag your leaves this fall
- Find Out the Gift Ryan Seacrest Left Behind for New Live Co-Host Mark Consuelos
- As hurricanes put Puerto Rico's government to the test, neighbors keep each other fed
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- War fallout and aid demands are overshadowing the climate talks in Egypt
- Who is Just Stop Oil, the group that threw soup on Van Gogh's painting?
- Yellen says development banks need overhauling to deal with global challenges
- What to watch: O Jolie night
- Money will likely be the central tension in the U.N.'s COP27 climate negotiations
Ranking
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Democrats' total control over Oregon politics could end with the race for governor
- It's going to be hard for Biden to meet this $11 billion climate change promise
- Madison Beer Recalls Trauma of Dealing With Nude Video Leak as a Teen
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Taylor Swift Just Subtly Shared How She's Doing After Joe Alwyn Breakup
- This Under $10 Vegan & Benzene-Free Dry Shampoo Has 6,300+ 5-Star Amazon Reviews
- Can a middle school class help scientists create a cooler place to play?
Recommendation
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
Climate activists want Biden to fire the head of the World Bank. Here's why
Here's what happened today at the U.N.'s COP27 climate negotiations
Aaron Carter’s Team Recalls Trying to Implement a Plan to Rehabilitate After Cause of Death Determined
Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
Climate talks are wrapping up. The thorniest questions are still unresolved.
More money, more carbon?
5 numbers that show Hurricane Fiona's devastating impact on Puerto Rico