Charlotte County’s newest McDonald’s restaurant opened June 18 at 5950 Duncan Road near Punta Gorda Airport. The restaurant created about 60 jobs and is operated by Andrew and Tim Fenton.
Andrew Fenton
Owners Andrew and Tim Fenton opened Charlotte County’s sixth McDonald’s restaurant June 18, adding another location to their Arch Management portfolio, which now includes 22 restaurants.
The father-and-son team owns all six McDonald’s locations in Charlotte County, with franchises stretching from Estero to Bradenton.
The family opened its first Charlotte County McDonald’s in 1975 at 4695 S. Tamiami Trail, near Sunseeker Resort. The grand opening of the new restaurant also marks 50 years of the Fentons operating in Charlotte County.
The newest location is at 5950 Duncan Road, near the intersection of U.S. 17 and Piper Road, a high-traffic corridor close to Punta Gorda Airport.
Andrew Fenton, center, joins employees during the grand opening celebration of the new McDonald’s restaurant on Duncan Road near Punta Gorda. The location is the sixth McDonald’s operated by the Fenton family in Charlotte County.
Andrew Fenton
The restaurant created about 60 jobs and features the latest McDonald’s technology, including self-order kiosks, dual drive-thru lanes and dedicated pickup areas designed to improve speed and efficiency, Andrew Fenton said.
Both Andrew and Tim Fenton got their start working at McDonald’s as teenagers. Tim later rose through the company’s corporate ranks, a career that took him and his family around the world.
Andrew recalled taking a job at a McDonald’s in upstate New York at 15, wiping tables.
After retiring as McDonald’s chief operating officer following a long career with the company, Tim Fenton decided to become a franchise owner. Andrew, who has worked for McDonald’s for 24 years, joined him in operating the restaurants.
Digital self-order kiosks are among the technology upgrades featured inside the new McDonald’s restaurant on Duncan Road in Charlotte County.
Andrew Fenton
The Duncan Road location departs from the traditional McDonald’s look, incorporating a more modern design and technology-focused customer experience.
For many employees, McDonald’s has been more than a first job, Andrew said. He noted that many workers build long-term careers with the company and that every member of his leadership team started at an entry-level position.
“You can start at the entry level and go as far as you want to,” he said.
Managing 22 restaurants can be challenging, Andrew acknowledged, but he credits the company’s success to its employees, corporate support and supplier partnerships.
The new McDonald’s restaurant in Charlotte County features updated interior design elements, self-order technology and expanded customer seating areas.
Andrew Fenton
To celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, McDonald’s is bringing back its fried apple pie. The menu also includes newer offerings, such as lemonade-based refreshers and specialty sodas, including a Dirty Dr. Pepper topped with vanilla flavoring and cold foam.
Beginning June 22, the Duncan Road restaurant will offer daily promotions for two weeks, including 99-cent six-piece Chicken McNuggets on Mondays, $1 medium fries on Tuesdays, discounted hamburgers and cheeseburgers on Wednesdays, $1 small hot or iced coffees on Thursdays, $1 soft-serve cones on Fridays, and reduced-price Big Breakfasts and Happy Meals on weekends.
The new location is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round.
“If you wake up at 2:30 in the morning and you’re hungry, we’ll have food waiting for you,” Andrew said.