McDonald’s is making a highly anticipated return to the West Harlem neighborhood, opening on the ground floor of Columbia University’s new residential building at 600 W. 125th Street.
Guests can join McDonald’s at its grand opening event on Wednesday, April 9 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The event will feature a raffle, giveaways, and opportunities to earn rewards through the McDonald’s app.
The opening of the restaurant marks McDonald’s return to this same location where it previously operated before the construction of 600 W. 125th Street and served as a neighborhood staple for many West Harlem residents.
McDonald’s new location is owned by the Fonseca Group, a family-owned franchisee that owns and operates 35 restaurants in the New York metro area. The Fonseca Group has received numerous industry accolades, including the prestigious 2024 Fred L. Turner Golden Arch Award which recognizes franchisees who put customers and people first, lead with integrity, promote inclusion in their community, and uphold McDonald’s values.
The organization is also committed to giving back to the local community through food donations, sponsorships of local school programs, and mentorship opportunities. In preparation for the new location’s opening, the Fonseca Group is partnering with local elementary schools to raise funds for educational programs during a training event.
“On behalf of the McDonald’s team and Fonseca Group, we are thrilled to open a new location in West Harlem, and look forward to providing an enjoyable dining experience for the local community,” said PJ Fonseca, owner of the McDonald’s West Harlem location.
The opening of McDonald’s continues Columbia’s long-standing retail approach, which favors businesses that bring a variety of amenities and experiences to the diverse Columbia and local communities. McDonald’s joins several other businesses that have recently opened or signed leases in Columbia buildings in Morningside Heights and Manhattanville, including Upside Pizza, South of the Clouds, U-Bar and Grill, Haji’s Deli, HIIT The Deck, Method Collective, and Oasis Jimma Juice Bar.
600 W. 125th Street is a new 34-story residential building for Columbia’s graduate students and faculty members, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop with CetraRuddy Architecture as the Executive Architect and Interior Designer. In line with Columbia’s commitment to sustainability, 600 W. 125th Street is currently tracking LEED® Gold certification, and has also earned Fitwel’s prestigious three-star rating.
