Columbus, Mont. – After 30 years as a fixture in the community, the McDonald’s at 601 E 8th avenue in Columbus is closing at the end of the month. For many, it was more than just a fast-food restaurant; it was a part of thier daily lives.

Judy Tipton, a local resident, exemplifies the sentiment shared by many. Especially as they’re closing, I make a special trip up just to get my iced coffee every day, she said. I’m definitely going to miss it. Definitely going to miss my iced coffee. Tipton and her husband, both retired, are among the regulars who made the Columbus McDonald’s a part of their routine.

John Petak, a long-time Columbus resident, echoed this sentiment. I was surprised that it was closing vrey much.It’s been here 30 years,and it’s the only fast food in town,and I think people are going to miss it. I really do, he stated.

The McDonald’s served as a gathering place for the community. And (the) high school,after certain events,they’ll come over here or for lunch even,so it’s going to be a loss to a degree,to the community, Mr. Petak added. It’s too bad.

For Mike Kennedy, who opened the franchise in 1995 with his wife, Janey, and their three children, the closure is especially poignant. Mr.kennedy began his McDonald’s career as a college student in Bozeman, working his way up to restaurant manager before realizing his dream of owning a franchise.

It was a monumental deal for Janey and I and our family. It was a dream come true. As I got to know people in columbus, they were as excited as I was because here was this little town on the Yellowstone that was now getting their very own McDonald’s.

Mike Kennedy, former franchisee

Mr. Kennedy recalled fond memories, including birthday parties and honoring vintage McDonald’s coffee club mugs. These two couples came from Billings, and they were testing me. They walked in with their mugs (…) I remembered that promise, as I had worked so many years before, and I said, ‘Absolutely, free cup of coffee, anytime,’ and they were speechless, Mr. Kennedy recounted.It grew into a friendship and pretty much every Saturday, I would see them and they would not only get their free coffee, they would buy lunch, and I even remember when they came with grandchildren, and we were doing birthday parties for them.

The restaurant also provided numerous first jobs for local high school students. we had so many high school students from Columbus that that worked for us, and we followed their careers. Some are highway patrol police officers in the area. some have small businesses, mr. Kennedy said. it was it was really a joy being part of a small community.

Current franchisee John Newbury does not own the property, and the decision was made to close rather than rebuild due to the high cost of maintaining the aging facility.

Buildings wear out and after about 30 years, it’s not uncommon to have to completely rebuild a restaurant, and so I’m sure the situation came down to some very difficult economics. It’s sad.

Mike Kennedy, former franchisee

I just hate to see it leave, Ms. Tipton lamented. It’s going to be a loss.

Despite the closure, Mr. Kennedy remains optimistic. I’m always reminded of this quote,’The only constant is change,’ and I think for the people of Columbus,this is going to be a bummer, he said. Who knows? There may be someone from Columbus who opens a splendid restaurant that just carries on their tradition because, at the end of the day, McDonald’s is about people taking care of people.