WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio — On Wednesday, Oct. 9, community members came together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Elm Street McDonald’s and to show their appreciation to Nick Epifano, the owner/operator of McDonald’s of Fayette County.

The event, held in conjunction with the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, attracted many dignitaries who shared their affection and memories of the Elm Street McDonald’s over the years. The following is just a sample of the many stories shared during this monumental event:

Washington C.H. City Manager Joe Denen: “I don’t remember there not being a McDonald’s here, I would have been 2-years-old when McDonald’s came to Washington Court House. Probably the youngest memory I have of McDonald’s is my grandfather would take me to get a haircut and then we’d go to McDonald’s for lunch. I will remember that fondly for many, many years.”

Washington C.H. City Councilman Jim Chrisman: “I’m usually by myself when I come to this McDonald’s, but there are always a lot of kids here — probably some of my great-grandkids and kids their age. I’ve never had any issue with this McDonald’s and it brings a lot of great memories for so many in this community.”

Fayette Regional Humane Society Chief Humane Agent Brad Adams: “I’m very appreciative of their ongoing support of the Humane Society. Nick Epifano and his restaurants have always provided for the homeless animals we care for, and he has definitely helped create second chances and new journeys happen for the animals that we help.”

Dan Roberts (SHP Design client relationship manager and former superintendent of Miami Trace Local Schools): “Nick is a tremendous asset and friend to the community. And I mean the entire community, whether it’s the businesses or education, he’s helped make Washington Court House a better place to live. His generosity, his kindness, his foresight, we sure appreciate it.”

Robin Beekman, owner of Robin’s Nest: “This McDonald’s is as old as I’ve been out of school, I’ve been out 50 years. I still remember coming to McDonald’s and getting the little cheeseburger order and drink. When Nick came to town, I introduced myself to him and we’ve been personal friends ever since. He’s phenomenal, he does a lot for the community, the schools, and the needy. He’s right on our level. I remember when his son, Nicholas, was born.”

Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth: “This McDonald’s was built the year I was a senior in high school. I had never been to a McDonald’s before. McDonald’s restaurants were in the big cities. I never went to the big cities. Washington Court House was a big city for me. It was a monumental event back then because it meant that the outside world was recognizing Washington Court House as worthy of a McDonald’s. I don’t know of any other small town that had a McDonald’s back then. They were all in the city. So it was a big, big deal for me personally, as well as the community.

“By 1977, I started by first job in the city as the assistant building and zoning inspector. The Elm Street McDonald’s is where we would meet every morning at 7:30 with area contractors that wanted to get work done. We would meet, have a cup of coffee and talk about the work. I would take the McDonald’s napkins and jot down the information the contractors provided and then later copy it over to an actual form, and then take it back to the contractor on the site and they could start the job. I had a drawer full of McDonald’s napkins like this. This was at a time when there was a lot of development going on in all parts of the city.

“Then you have kids and the place to go was always McDonald’s. And it still is today.”

Ohio State Rep. Bob Peterson: “I can certainly remember when this McDonald’s opened. It was very exciting, I was 13 or 14, and the McDonald’s on Elm Street has been a part of my life since that time. I can remember if you were able to leave school, you had time to get here and go through the drive-thru and make it back to school during the lunch hour. I may have done that on occasion.

“This is part of our community. We certainly appreciate Nick and all he has done for the community.”

Rhonda Turner, real estate salesperson with ERA Martin & Associates: “My experience at this McDonald’s started 45 years ago. I worked here as a senior in high school and met my husband 45 years ago next month at this McDonald’s. We’ve been together 45 years ago next month and have been married 44. He still eats at McDonald’s about every day.”

Following the ribbon cutting, Denen read a proclamation on behalf of the City of Washington Court House in recognition of “50 years of McDonald’s and Washington Court House together.”

Part of the proclamation reads:

“WHEREAS, Mr. Nick Epifano is a valued member of our community with a history of personal commitment to the advancement of the people of Washington Court House and Fayette County, Mr. Epifano, ‘You, Your’e the one’; and

“WHEREAS, McDonald’s and Mr. Epifano have given many people in our community work experience that builds self-confidence, self-assurance and contributes to the diversity of life. Food Folks and Fun; and

“WHEREAS, Mr. Nick Epifano generously supports numerous causes in our community that have improved the lives of countless citizens; from youth, persons in need, animal welfare to community institutions like the Fayette County Fair, Mr. Epifano and McDonald’s have provided support and inspiration. In the language of McDonald’s, we do it all for you; and

“WHEREAS, the people of the City of Washington Court House and the citizens of the City of Washington Court House desire to express thanks and congratulations upon the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of McDonald’s in Washington Court House. An old slogan says, ‘McDonald’s is your kind of place.’ In Washington Court House, McDonald’s is our kind of place.”

Epifano thanked all those in attendance, as well as the entire community, for their support over the years.

“My family and I have been here for 24 years,” he said. “I have to thank God, first and foremost. What a blessing it’s been to have my family be a part of this community. Since we first arrived, this community has embraced us. One of things we always say at my restaurants is that when our customers come in and patronize the restaurants, it’s an investment in the community and we’re going to give a portion back. I’m thankful for all the things we and the community have gotten to do together and I’m so excited about all the things we can do together in the future.”