McDonald's (Will Rogers Turnpike)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A view from the western parking lot; the statue of Will Rogers can just be seen in front of the building

Self-billed as the "World's Largest," the 29,135 ft² McDonald's that spans the Will Rogers Turnpike of I-44 near Vinita, Oklahoma is a notable example of a U.S. roadside restaurant. The McDonald's was originally built when the turnpike opened in 1957 as one of the "Glass House" restaurants, owned by the now-defunct Interstate Hosts company. The "Glass House" also operated as a Howard Johnson's restaurant at one point.^[1] Because of this heritage, it is also known as the Glass House McDonald's and the McDonald's Glass House Restaurant. It shares the space with a Phillips 66 gas station.

Stairwell inside of the west anchor

The Vinita, Oklahoma McDonald's architecture is dominated by golden arches on both sides of the building that appear from a distance to be not only the corporate symbol of the chain, but the primary supports for a steel arch bridge structure over the turnpike. Visitors to the eatery exit from either side of the interstate, and then enter through one of the sides and the proceed to the restaurant level via stairs or an elevator. Internally, only a portion of the building actually serves as a McDonald's, with the rest of the space being leased out to a gift shop and a coffee bar.

Looking toward the counter on the east side of the restaurant

Although it may indeed be the largest McDonald's restaurant in total square footage, this title has been contested by several newer McDonald's built in China, Russia, and Florida.^[2]

At the front of the west anchor stands a statue of Will Rogers.