Current:Home > MyVideo shows 'world's fanciest' McDonald's, complete with grand piano, gutted by Helene -CapitalCourse
Video shows 'world's fanciest' McDonald's, complete with grand piano, gutted by Helene
View
Date:2025-04-22 06:11:21
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! (6)
Related
- Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
- Northern Taurid meteor shower hits peak activity this week: When and where to watch
- Beyoncé's Grammy nominations in country categories aren't the first to blur genre lines
- Trump's election has women swearing off sex with men. It's called the 4B movement.
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Oregon's Dan Lanning, Indiana's Curt Cignetti pocket big bonuses after Week 11 wins
- Steelers shoot for the moon ball, but will offense hold up or wilt in brutal final stretch?
- Taylor Swift Politely Corrects Security’s Etiquette at Travis Kelce’s Chiefs Game
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- Don't Miss This Sweet Moment Between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's Dads at the Kansas City Chiefs Game
Ranking
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Trump breaks GOP losing streak in nation’s largest majority-Arab city with a pivotal final week
- NASCAR Championship race live updates, how to watch: Cup title on the line at Phoenix
- Ashton Jeanty stats: How many rushing yards did Boise State Heisman hopeful have vs Nevada
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- Fire crews gain greater control over destructive Southern California wildfire
- Younghoo Koo takes blame for Falcons loss to Saints: 'This game is fully on me'
- 'I was in total shock': Woman wins $1 million after forgetting lotto ticket in her purse
Recommendation
Moving abroad can be expensive: These 5 countries will 'pay' you to move there
Sister Wives’ Janelle Brown Alleges Ex Kody Made False Claims About Family’s Finances
Dwayne Johnson Admits to Peeing in Bottles on Set After Behavior Controversy
World leaders aim to shape Earth's future at COP29 climate change summit
Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
2 Florida women charged after shooting death of photographer is livestreamed
The charming Russian scene-stealers of 'Anora' are also real-life best friends
4 charged in Detroit street shooting that left 2 dead, 5 wounded