NJ is losing one of its last classic-looking McDonald’s

🍟Middletown Route 35 McDonald's

🍟Things already in motion

🍟Out with the old, in with the new

MIDDLETOWN — Street after street in New Jersey, there's no shortage of contemporary fast food chains.

The same could be said years ago, but looking back now, they took on a "classic," simplistic feel.

That's why the Middletown Route 35 McDonald's has been a New Jersey gem — it's like stepping back in time complete with the vibrant colors, mansard roof and playground, as these photos from Tri-County Scanner News show.

"I have to say that era of design and color was their finest hour... I grew up in 80/90’s and some of my key moments of fun and excitement visiting are in these places," one Reddit comment said.

"The McDonald's around me (PA) are all square and brown and extremely boring looking," another Reddit user said.

If you feel the same way, you won't be lovin' this news: work is underway to have a new McDonald's built at 925 Route 35 in Middletown.

The McDonald's featured above has been demolished and construction has yet to begin, according to a local New Jersey 101.5 reader.

The reimagined McDonald's will be over 3,500 square feet with a side-by-side drive-thru, according to a public notice from April. Other site improvements will transform the site: menu boards, signage, parking, lighting, landscaping and more.

"We have been in discussions with the corporation, believe it or not, since 2005 to get this restaurant remodeled and make it appropriate for the town, make it better for the residents and also make it better for us," owner-operator Kenneth Hullings said at a past board meeting, according to the Asbury Park Press. They say the building dates back to 1971.

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Timing of the project is uncertain. New Jersey 101.5 reached out to McDonald's corporate press office for comment and timeline, but we haven't heard back. McDonald's franchisee J&K Quality Restaurants was unable to be reached.

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