Markham’s first McDonalds celebrates 45 years of community connections

Markham residents, whether here for a few years or half a century, likely have many memories of visits to the McDonald’s across from Markville Mall. The location has reopened following recent renovations, which include a brand-new dining area, a community room, and a state-of-the-art kitchen fitted with the latest equipment to ensure more efficient service.

Owners Marcia and Todd Finlayson were joined at the grand reopening by Town Crier John Webster, Mayor Frank Scarpitti, and other local dignitaries. 

“It’s amazing to think about the generations of families that have come through these doors since 1981,” Marcia said. “Being a consistent part of people’s lives for that long is a privilege.”

The restaurant has been a meeting place for locals to enjoy all of life’s special occasions.

“For 45 years, this restaurant has been far more than a place to enjoy a meal. And has played a meaningful role in the lives of generations of Markham residents,” Webster said. “ It has been the setting for first dates, and first jobs, first birthday parties, and prom nights, after school gatherings, family traditions, and countless everyday moments, shared with friends and neighbours.”

The Finlaysons have played a huge role in community building through their development of youth staff over the decades and their support of the Markham Stouffville Hospital. 

“I just want to say thank you for everything that you Todd and Marcia have done for Markham Stouffville Hospital, the Ronald McDonald room, that really gives a place for families, whose children are facing challenging times, to have a corner of that hospital, that feels a little like a home,” Scarpitti said. “And to be able to forget some of the challenges and spend some important time as family.”

The couple is excited to welcome the community back now that the restaurant has fully reopened and looks forward to creating new memories for many years to come.

Story and photos by Matthew Fletcher