McDonald’s at Stonestown closes after 30 years, owner cites CA minimum wage law

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A longtime McDonald’s location in San Francisco is closing.

The McDonald’s at Stonestown Galleria has shut down its doors for good, according to franchise location owner Scott Rodrick. The last day for McDonald’s at 255 Winston Drive is on Sunday, June 23.

You would often see the fast food restaurant filled with students — whether it’s from nearby Lowell High School or San Francisco State University. Some loitering, some dining in for a meal. Either way, that McDonald’s had been a staple in the neighborhood for three decades.

“It has been a pleasure for my entire team and I to serve the 19th Avenue and Ingleside neighborhoods for more than 30 years,” Rodrick wrote in a letter posted on the restaurant entrance. “We are thankful to have been a part of your daily meal routine, either for an Egg McMuffin in the morning or a Happy Meal with the kids after an afternoon of shopping at Stonestown.”

Rodrick cited two primary factors in the decision to shut down the location, adding it was a “long and difficult” decision.

The first was disagreement on a lease term with the building’s landlord. According to Rodrick, the landlord was “unwilling to negotiate a long term, sensible rent” — despite his track record of 30 years at that location. He also said the property taxes and shared tenant mall fees reached an all-time high.

Secondly, Rodrick refers to the historically rising costs of operating a restaurant in the city and state. He cited the “poorly timed” California $20 minimum wage for fast food workers that went into effect in April. The franchisee said the law pushes against the operation of his McDonald’s restaurant.

“This is a gut wrenching day for my family, our customers and as importantly, our amazing team members,” Rodrick wrote in a statement to KRON4.

Employees at the Stonestown location have been offered job opportunities at other nearby McDonald’s, Rodrick said. The next closest McDonald’s is located at 1201 Ocean Ave.