McDonald’s Casuarina: Territory’s first Maccas shuts its doors for good amid new flagship restaurant
The Northern Territory’s first McDonald’s restaurant, which opened its doors in 1993, has served its last Big Mac. How Territorians have remembered it.
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Northern Territory’s first McDonald’s restaurant, which opened its doors in 1993, has served its last Big Mac.
McDonald’s Casuarina, a late-night haunt for generations of Territorians, ceased trading on Boxing Day, the NT News understands.
A McDonald’s spokeswoman said burger fans could still fulfil their cravings just up the road from Casuarina Square at its Casuarina North restaurant, located at 58 Bradshaw Terrace.
“Customers can still enjoy Macca’s in Casuarina, at our freestanding restaurant just down the road, equipped with modern decor, increased seating and amenities, as well as a McCafé, dual lane drive-through and an indoor PlayPlace for children and families,” she said.
“We proudly opened the new restaurant in November 2021, providing an even better customer experience and even more local job opportunities.”
The spokeswoman did not directly answer why the Casuarina outlet closed.
It was previously reported in 2020 that McDonald’s had a lease until 2024 at Casuarina Square, and that it had always been envisaged that the original would make way for the upgraded restaurant, which was confirmed by a Casuarina Square spokesman on Wednesday.
“The lease between McDonalds and Casuarina Square expired and the restaurant closed in late December,” he said.
The spokesman declined to reveal whether a replacement offering was in the works for Casuarina Square’s food court.
“We are unable to discuss individual lease negotiations,” he said.
McDonald’s purchased the site of its $10m Casuarina North restaurant for $4m in late 2020, with an existing Home Timber and Hardware store demolished to make way for it.
The NT News understands all staff at the affected McDonald’s were offered redeployment to other franchises.
In the wake of the closure, Darwinians took to social media to share memories of the venerable fast food outlet.
“Worked opening day there, back early 1994 [sic]. Then opening day at Ludmilla too. Then my daughter’s first job was there,” one commenter said.
Another Facebook user shared a similar experience.
“Was my third job I ever had. Late 1993 – between Cas and Ludmilla stores,” she said.
Social platform Reddit was also abuzz with news of the closure.
“Geez, I remember the day that place opened – absolute chaos! People used to get it flown up by visitors before that in eskies,” said one Redditor.
Internal documents reveal mining minister was ordered to reject Jabiluka bid
Confidential documents show the Commonwealth did not believe Rio Tinto would back a fight against Territory Traditional Owners who are pushing to expand Kakadu National Park.
‘Complex’ fire threatens outback attraction, back-up crews sent in
Fatigued outback fireys will be backed by Darwin and Katherine crews as blazes continue to impact communities and infrastructure around a beloved Territory attraction.