McDonald’s opens in Sisters

A crowd of about 100 Sisters area residents and business people braved a frosty morning on Tuesday, December 6, to celebrate the grand opening of Sisters McDonald’s and Mainline Station.

Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce President Donna Kightlinger introduced the ceremony as “a celebration of community.”

She noted that “It’s also a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit. We honor that entrepreneurial spirit today.”

That spirit brings with it risk and adversity and the project had its share. Some in the community opposed the restaurant coming to Sisters and an arson fire destroyed the building last summer.

Both developer Steve Rodgers and restaurant owner Nanette Bittler thanked the Sisters-Camp Sherman Rural Fire Protection District for its efforts in fighting that fire.

While note was taken of adversity the celebration was upbeat, with a group of children from SOAR singing “If You’re Happy and You Know It” and the national anthem.

Rodgers, speaking for his wife Robin and partner Darren Layne and his wife Donna, said, “We hope this facility exceeds everyone’s expectations.”

Bittler, a Central Oregon native, owns five McDonald’s Restaurants in Bend with her husband Mick. She thanked the Sisters High School Leadership class for conducting a survey that determined the Western theme for the interior decor.

She noted that the restaurant will help benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Bend, which provides lodging for families whose loved ones are enduring long hospital stays.

The restaurant, convenience store and Chevron gas station are providing 40 jobs.