‘Taj Mahal of McDonald’s’ razed in Springfield

A Missouri restaurant once hailed by former McDonald’s executive Ray Kroc as the “Taj Mahal of McDonald’s” has been reduced to rubble.

Demolition was completed Thursday on the site of a Springfield McDonald’s that was the country’s largest when it opened in 1976.

The fast-food restaurant featured a seating capacity of 225 and a theme reminiscent of an old farmhouse. It was split into four dining rooms and featured multiple fireplaces, as well as accoutrements like a large planter and a fountain.

A year after it opened, the burger restaurant won a national decor award in the “best new store” category.

A new McDonald’s is scheduled to open on the same location in August, according to signage at the site.

Read more: Springfield News-Leader