By: Matt Weinagrden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
Excitement filled the air in LaSalle as the town celebrated the grand opening of its very first McDonald’s restaurant. The new eatery, located at 2301 Sandwich West Parkway, is the inaugural business to open within the $200-million Shoppes at Heritage — the largest commercial development in LaSalle’s history.
Independent franchisee Jason Trussell, joined by his dedicated crew and a crowd of enthusiastic community members, hosted a special ribbon-cutting ceremony earlier this month.
“We have a growing community and our company is constantly looking to grow within these communities,” said Trussell, who began his career with the company when he was 15 and is now a franchise owner. “Customers can expect the great service that they have come to experience. Our newest location features our latest updated interior look and fresh modern look.”
The celebration marked not only the arrival of a beloved fast food chain, but also a new chapter in LaSalle’s growing commercial landscape.
To commemorate the occasion, McDonald’s announced that 10 per cent of all food and beverage sales on grand opening day would be donated to Ronald McDonald House Southwestern Ontario (RMHSWO), supporting families with sick and injured children at the Windsor and London Houses.
“We’ve always been part of the fabric of the community,” he added. “And with the opening of the new location, we’re bringing in approximately 100 jobs to the area. We’re excited to be here.”
The local location will continue to support local minor sports programs and charities.
“We thank you for choosing LaSalle and believing in our community,” said mayor Crystal Meloche.
The new McDonald’s is just the first of many businesses set to open at the expansive Shoppes at Heritage site, a 25-acre hub located at the corner of Heritage Drive and Sandwich West Parkway. The development is led by LaSalle Heritage Group, with Scott D’Amore as president, and Petretta Construction. Scott D’Amore expressed his enthusiasm for having McDonald’s as one of the anchors of the project, saying, “For quite a while there’s been lots of talk about how transformative the Shoppes at Heritage will be for the LaSalle-Windsor area. This project has been a 50-year dream for my family.”
The plaza will feature over 250,000 square feet of retail space, the largest in LaSalle’s history, including a grocery store, a major brand hotel, and other popular retailers such as Shopper’s Drug Mart, Dollarama, PetSmart, Tim Hortons, Taco Bell, and Osmow’s Shawarma.
As LaSalle’s newest fast food joint opens its doors, it promises not only tasty meals but also a spirit of giving and community pride.
