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Members of the "Breakfast Bunch" (clockwise from left): Danny Chandler, James Bush, Jesse Wisener

Mickey D's closes for renovations

By Michael Butler

The Tallassee location of McDonald's has been a hot spot, not just for eating but socializing since it opened on Gilmer Avenue in 1990. Now, the "golden arches" will go dark for a short span while renovations are made.

The building is getting a total overhall. The project will require "Mickey D's" to close its doors for a period of approximately five to eight weeks.

There are about 40 full- and part-time employees at the Tallassee restaurant. Among them is local manager Akiva "Kee Kee" Long. She has spent over 20 years working at the fast-food franchise.

"It's a good change. We need it," she said of the upgrades. Long and several of the other staff members will be working in Montgomery over the next month or so. "Some will move to Taylor Road, some to the Northern Bypass and some to Atlanta Highway."

Regular patron Louis Achimon

Everyday at 5:00 a.m., McDonald's opens its doors and keeps them open until after midnight. There is always an abundance of traffic.

"There is no slow time," Long added.

The "Breakfast Bunch" spends as many as six days a week gathering together at McDonald's. There are about ten who make it a morning ritual; talking about the news of the day and sipping on coffeee.

"They don't serve beer," Danny Chandler joked.

James Bush said the "bunch" has been meeting daily for more than a decade. So, where to now? "We're going to Jack's," he said.

McDonald's construction phase will add more seating capacity and double drive-thru lanes; however, "Playland" will be removed. Sorry kiddies.

So, "Big Mac" fans, hang in there or venture outside city limits if you must. Remember, good things come to those who wait.

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