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Ronald McDonald, Grimace make local visit

Ronald McDonald and Grimace wave at cars passing by the McDonald's on Verity Parkway Tuesday, Nov. 10, as the fast-food restaurant celebrates the addition of a double drive-through in Middletown.

Staff photo by Nick Graham Ronald McDonald and Grimace wave at cars passing by the McDonald's on Verity Parkway Tuesday, Nov. 10, as the fast-food restaurant celebrates the addition of a double drive-through in Middletown.

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer Updated 11:10 PM Tuesday, November 10, 2009

MIDDLETOWN — Local residents can get a double dose of McDonald’s thanks to a new dual drive-through now open at the Verity Parkway location.

Ronald McDonald and his pal Grimace made an appearance to celebrate the opening of the new feature, to the delight of the “under 5” crowd.

“I got my picture with Ronald and we had a lot of fun. I missed Grimace. I am waiting for him to come back,” said 4-year-old Madison Tussey from Trenton while enjoying a cheeseburger which she said is her favorite “because it’s cheesy.”

Three-year-old Faith Barnett stood up on her booth and waved as Ronald came inside the restaurant. “He’s a good guy. He gave me a sticker,” she said.

Grandmother Beverly Barnett and mother Jenny Barnett said they come to the McDonald’s at least once a month with Faith and her 16-month-old twin sisters, Hannah and Hailey. Both said they are looking forward to using the new double drive-through, which allows the restaurant to take two orders at once in two separate lanes.

“We use it before breakfast time and it is just crazy,” Beverly said.

Store manager Sarah Mengelcamp said the feedback has been positive so far.

The McDonald’s location was rebuilt in 1988 and has been one of the busiest locations in Ohio, said John McDonald, corporate operations consultant. While he would not release a dollar fgure for the investment, he said the added drive-through lane will help customer service.

“(The store) has such a long line for the drive-through at the order position so we wanted to make it more convenient so we can take to orders at the same time,” he said.

The McDonald’s is located at 2201 N. Verity Parkway in Middletown.

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