Some may have heard rumors that the old McDonald’s was going to be turned into an Appalachian State apparel store or an East Coast Wings.
But the new business won’t be a place to eat chicken. Terry Darnell will be selling and repairing Karcher pressure washers.
“I have been selling Karcher pressure washers for the last 25 years and have had good sales by word of mouth,” Darnell said. “My plan is to sell pressure washers, accessories and chemicals.”
The rumors about what was opening in the old North Bridge Street McDonald’s location began when a large Appalachian ‘A’ appeared on the window.
“The ‘A’ rally stirred up talk. My nephew who is an Appalachian alum came to help me paint,” Darnell said. “I left him here to go do work at the Grace Clinic, and when I got back it was there. It just so happens the Karcher pressure washer colors are the same as Appalachian State University.”
Since then Darnell has been asked if the business will be a sports bar, a breakfast restaurant or a clothing store, he said.
“It’s been a fun joke. The attention it’s gotten has been unbelievable,” he said. “I’m actually a Tar Heel graduate.”
Prior to opening the pressure washing business, Darnell managed Carquest. When he heard things might be picking up in the Elk Mount shopping center he was interested in renting the building.
“The owner indicated things were going to be picking up in this shopping center with Goody’s opening,” Darnell said. “I needed a particular building and wanted the location to be visible.”
While renovating the old restaurant, Darnell has painted, re-tiled and had to move 2,000 pounds of cooking equipment from the back.
“We took out three pieces of cooking devices which added a little extra work than I expected,” he said.
Darnell hopes to open his new business, which will be called Darnell’s, this month.
“I’ve grown up in this town, and a lot of people know me and have done business with me for 30 years,” he said. “I think it will do well.”
Reach Jessica Pickens at 835-1513 ext. 18 or jpickens@heartlandpublications.com.
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