After closing for extensive interior and exterior renovations, McDonald’s, reopened its lobby Saturday, March 30, at 16936 E. Shea Blvd.,

The modernized restaurant places more choice and control on how customers order, what they order, how they order, how they pay and how they are served.

“Bringing Back 1955” will be the theme of the grand opening and community events on Saturday, May 11.

Upgrades include a digital self-order kiosk and Bluetooth table locators for dine-in table service, indoor and outdoor digital menu boards and free Wi-Fi to allow guests to browse the menu, find new options and tailor their meal the way they want.

“With our easy-to-use self-order kiosks, customers can place orders in advance and skip the front counter to have food brought right to the table,” said Jerry Wernau, owner/operator of the local McDonald’s.

“It’s a new way to enjoy our food, and for added convenience, we have an app and McDelivery which allow personalization and curbside delivery as well as delivery to homes and work via Uber Eats.”

He described the restaurant design as “comfortable modern” with new decor accented by multiple colors; zoned seating areas in a variety of seating types and comfortable configurations; and lower lighting levels in the dining area utilizing pendant fixtures.

The exterior incorporates glass and metal for a contemporary look and dual-lane drive-thru to provide faster service.

About 2,600 McDonald’s owner/operators and restaurants throughout the country have rolled out the new model that places a higher emphasis on hospitality by focusing on greeting customers, assisting with technology and ensuring a clean, welcoming environment.

May 11 events

To kick off the grand opening day on Saturday, May 11, the fast food restaurant will bring back 1955 prices. The first 50 customers from 11 a.m. to noon will receive “Free Coffee for a Year” coupons with mugs.

From noon to 1 p.m., the first 50 customers will receive “Free Extra Value Meal for a Year” coupons. Special prices will be in effect. Guests can purchase hamburgers for 15 cents from 11 a.m. to noon; cheeseburgers for 19 cents from noon to 1 p.m., and French fries for a dime from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. All offers will be limited to five per order.

The crew and managers will be dressed in 50’s-themed McDonald’s shirts and poodle skirts.

Family fun activities starting at 11 a.m. will involve the Fountain Hills Fire Department, photo booth/selfie station and a prize wheel for free McDonald’s merchandise.

Wernau and co-owner Mark Kramer will donate 10 percent of all self-order kiosk sales for the first 15 days after the grand opening, up to $1,000, to Fountain Hills High School.

In addition to May 11 activities, the restaurant also plans several free on-going community events.

Tuesday, April 9, will debut Senior Tuesdays featuring food and drink specials. The opening month special is free coffee or soft drink with a 59 cent hamburger or cheeseburger.

Thursday, April 18, will introduce “Coffee with a Cop.”

Senior Bingo will start on Thursday, April 25. Entry is paid with any food purchase receipt the day of bingo. Free food and $10 gift card prizes can be won.