A familiar sight — and smell — has returned to Rideau Street. McDonald’s has officially reopened near the ByWard Market, making a comeback in the area nearly two years after the fast-food giant shut down its former Rideau Street location amid repeated incidents that made it one of Ottawa’s most talked-about restaurants. The restaurant is taking a new approach this time around, while also honouring its viral past. The new McDonald’s sits on the corner of Rideau and Dalhousie streets and is designed as a takeout focused operation, with no indoor seating. Franchisee Don MacLean says the layout reflects how customers are using the brand today. “McDonald’s is always innovating and looking for ways to serve and meet the customers demands,” MacLean says. “The demand right now are more in delivery and dine out.” The original Rideau Street McDonald’s closed in 2023 after years of safety concerns and viral moments that drew frequent attention online. The reopening comes with the goal of being a better fit for the surrounding community while also providing service to one of the busiest areas in the city. One of the most infamous moments caught on video at the former location — in which a racoon was drawn from a man’s coat as a chaotic fight ensured in the restaurant — hasn’t been forgotten. Instead, it’s being embraced. The racoon is featured in artwork on the exterior of the new building, a playful nod to the location’s past and its place in Ottawa internet lore. “We want to make sure it’s a big part of the story here at this new location and the historic [ByWard] Market,” MacLean says. “We want to have some fun with it and make sure that everyone that knew, knew, and if you didn’t know, you’re kind of like ‘oh, that’s very nice.’” MacLean says the raccoon connection goes beyond artwork. The restaurant has partnered with Holly’s Haven Wildlife Rescue to support the organization through fundraising and hands-on involvement. “We’ve partnered with them on a couple things,” he says. “One, for fundraising for their cause and also another one that’s going to be for taking our crew to their facilities to help work and give back to them and what they need.” The new McDonald’s will not be open to customers 24 hours a day, but food service will continue through the night. Doors will be locked from midnight to 5 a.m., though MacLean says a drive-through-style pickup window on the Rideau Street side is expected to become operational in the coming days, which will allow customers to order and collect food overnight. MacLean says there will be a fundraiser event for Holly’s Haven at the new McDonald’s location in January, followed by one for the Ottawa Food Bank in February, hosting a percentage of sales day for them. According to MacLean, there are currently 45 new employees working at the new location.
