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This historic McDonald’s is located in old train cars.
McDonald’s is a global fast food chain known for its iconic golden arches and delicious burgers. With nearly 40,000 locations worldwide, it’s no surprise that some McDonald’s restaurants have unique and interesting features. One such location is in Barstow, California, where the restaurant is housed in old train cars, adding a touch of history and charm to the dining experience.
A unique dining experience
Located in a small town northwest of Los Angeles, the Barstow McDonald’s is housed in an old train station. According to Orange Smile, the station ceased operations in 1955, but the train cars were converted into dining rooms for the fast-food restaurant. This creative adaptation has transformed the station into a unique dining destination.
The story behind McDonald’s
The Barstow Station McDonald’s is now owned and operated by Billy Rosenberg, whose father originally took over the restaurant. The story goes that Rosenberg’s father won the location in a poker game against Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s. In an NBC interview captured on YouTube, Rosenberg revealed that his father’s winning hand, a full house, secured their ownership of the restaurant.
The restaurant has become a landmark in California, drawing visitors from far and wide. One notable feature is the water tower, which the Rosenberg family rescued and preserved. The water tower was originally part of the Mojave River, and when it was slated for removal, the Rosenbergs decided to incorporate it into their McDonald’s location as a unique and intriguing landmark.
A Piece of History
Since its conversion to a restaurant in 1975, the Barstow McDonald’s in the old train cars has been a treasured piece of local history. It offers customers the opportunity to dine in a nostalgic setting while enjoying their favorite McDonald’s meals. The train cars serve as dining rooms, providing a cozy and unique atmosphere that sets this McDonald’s apart from others.
A visit to the Barstow McDonald’s is not only an opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal, but also a chance to immerse yourself in the rich history of the area. The combination of the old train station, repurposed railroad cars, and preserved water tower creates a captivating atmosphere that takes visitors back in time.
An iconic landmark
The Barstow McDonald’s in the old train cars has become an iconic landmark in California. It is a testament to the ingenuity of repurposing historic structures and preserving local heritage. Whether you’re a McDonald’s fan or simply appreciate unique dining experiences, this historic location is worth a visit.
The next time you are in Barstow, California, be sure to stop by the McDonald’s in the old train cars. Step into the train car dining rooms, enjoy a delicious meal, and soak in the nostalgia and history that surrounds you. It’s a dining experience unlike any other, where past and present come together seamlessly in a truly remarkable way.
Sources:
This historic McDonald’s is housed in old train cars.
Orange Smile
YouTube – NBC Interview with Billy Rosenberg
Kool Buildings
FAQS
How did McDonald’s end up in old train cars?
The McDonald’s in Barstow, California, is housed in old train cars that have been repurposed as dining rooms. The train station itself ceased operations in 1955, and the creative adaptation has turned it into a unique dining experience.
Who owns and operates the McDonald’s in the old train cars?
The Barstow McDonald’s is owned and operated by Billy Rosenberg, whose father originally took over the business. The location is said to have been won in a poker game against Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s.
What makes the Barstow McDonald’s unique compared to other locations?
The Barstow McDonald’s is unique because it is located in an old train station and features repurposed train cars as dining rooms. This gives customers a nostalgic and historic ambiance not found in traditional McDonald’s restaurants.
Is the old water tower a significant feature of the McDonald’s?
Yes, the water tower is a significant feature of the Barstow McDonald’s. The Rosenberg family rescued the water tower, which was originally part of the Mojave River, and incorporated it into their McDonald’s location, adding to its unique charm.
When did the Barstow McDonald’s in the old train cars become a restaurant?
The old train cars were converted into a restaurant in 1975, serving as a dining destination for locals and visitors alike. It has since become a treasured piece of local history and a California landmark.
Can I visit the Barstow McDonald’s to experience its historic ambiance?
Absolutely! The Barstow McDonald’s in the old train cars welcomes visitors to enjoy a meal in a nostalgic setting filled with rich history. It offers a unique dining experience that combines the charm of the old train station with the convenience of McDonald’s.