Turlockers partial to all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese were given a shock Wednesday afternoon when a bulldozer demolished the Geer Road McDonald’s restaurant.

Lovers of the Golden Arches have nothing to fear, however, as the old restaurant was torn down only to make room for a new and improved McDonald’s.

The sight of the popular restaurant being dismantled was upsetting for many passersby and employees. For the Jevert family, it was bittersweet.

“It’s really hard after 37 and half years of history,” owner/operator Mike Jevert said while watching the ceiling collapse on his establishment. “We’re closing the book on one chapter and opening up a new one.”

Jevert said the building of a brand new restaurant was needed, as they had outgrown the old facility. The new restaurant — scheduled to open by July 4 —will include the latest equipment, technology, while being energy efficient, he said. It will also feature an indoor playplace.

“It’s really sad seeing it torn down, but it’s exciting what’s going up,” Jevert said about the changes.

The old McDonald’s won’t just be tossed out. It will have a second life, as 99 percent of the existing building will be recycled.

During the three months of construction, many of the Geer Road employees will be learning how to use the new cash registers at Jevert’s other store on Hatch Road in Ceres.

The Geer Road McDonald’s was opened on Nov. 26, 1973 by Mike Jevert’s father, Carl Jevert.

“It was my father’s dream to open up this restaurant,” Mike Jevert said. “Over the years, many family members have worked here. I’m a second generation owner/operator.”

To contact Kristina Hacker, e-mail khacker@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2004.