Plasma TV's, a Fireplace, WiFi Coming to McDonald's

Locals driving by the McDonald's on Route 117 are starting to see hints of the modern redesign taking place at the fast-food establishment—and later this month, customers will get an eyeful of the renovated restaurant's chic new look.

"Whether a customer wants to sit and work connected to the free Wi-Fi, socialize with friends and family, or quickly go through the drive-thru, the remodeled restaurant will fit everyone's needs," said Bryan Colley, the McDonald's franchisee who operates the store.

He said he expects the work to be done in time for a December grand re-opening.

Town planners approved plans in June for the project, which includes new landscaping and seats for 122 diners. Colley said the decision to renovate the restaurant was his own.

"Currently more than 7,000 U.S. McDonald's restaurant have received some form of redesign and I am proud my restaurant will soon reopen with a new look," he said.  Though he wouldn't confirm the costs of renovations, media reports cite McDonald's corporate officials as saying that franchisees have paid between $250,000 and $500,000 to remodel.

The company-wide redesign started in Europe a few years ago, first in Europe two years ago, according to news reports, where bright red and yellow exteriors have been replaced by cooler greens and burgundy, in some locations. The trademark golden arches remain.

Colley said the overall layout of his restaurant will resemble a lounge-style environment, with big plush chairs and a two-sided fireplace and  "colorful, intimate seating areas."

"At McDonald's we're always listening to our customers and looking for ways to invest in our existing restaurants…and ultimately improving the overall restaurant experience. Customers can look forward to a contemporary restaurant design, with the same value and convenience they've come to expect," he said, indicating that the chain's fast food at inexpensive prices won't change along with the environment in which it's served.

Colley said the overall design—which includes zoned seating—will suit a range of customers, from moms and kids (the play area is coming back) to the laptop-toting independent contractor, to professionals stopping in for a quick bite.

Will the sophisticated style bring in new customers?

Anne Carey of South Salem, mother of two grade-school girls, said the restaurant has always been a special-treat kind of place, but if the renovation is nice, she might be more inclined to get a coffee or a salad and let them eat-in instead of driving through.

Whitney Serrell Barbera, a Bedford Hills mother of three, said the draw for her was quick and easy food in an environment where her kids were entertained—not the decor.

"I was a customer before, and will be again—I'm looking forward to the reopening, and I know lots of parents who feel the same way," she said.

But Cristina Sullivan-Magidson, who lives in Bedford Hills and has taken her four children there "on numerous occasions," said she wished McDonald's would put more time and energy into healthier meals instead of new restaurant accessories.

"If I could get my children a healthy meal and allow them to play while sitting in front of a fire watching a plasma TV while accessing free WiFi—sure, I'd give it a whirl."