Triple cheeseburgers were hot and ready to go as the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce and city officials gathered Wednesday, May 7, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official grand reopening of the McDonald’s at 7100 W. 127th St. and welcoming the restaurant to the chamber.
Owned by Tanya Lawrence, of Chicago, and her brother-in-law Edgar Herrera, of Park Ridge — both members of the Mendez family — the Palos Heights location recently underwent a complete remodel. The renovations took place in February, and the restaurant officially reopened in March with a refreshed, modern design featuring spacious seating and touch-screen ordering kiosks.
“This has been quite the opportunity,” Herrera said. “We have been with McDonald’s for over 30 years as a family and we have learned a lot along the way.”
The Mendez family purchased the Palos Heights location three years ago and has been involved with McDonald’s as owners and operators since February 1991. Today, they own and manage 32 locations across the region.
“My dad passed away in July of 2022, but we decided to keep the Mendez family name,” Lawrence said. “We are really excited to be a part of the Palos Heights community and to work together with the community.”
Palos Heights Mayor Bob Straz praised the family’s investment in the city during the grand reopening.
“The Mendez family has really updated and enhanced the store,” Straz said. “It really says a lot about the further investment in our community.”
The family’s roots in the McDonald’s business trace back more than three decades to a decision made by Lawrence’s parents.
“My parents took a chance on McDonald’s so our family would have a better life,” she said.
Now, as they step into a new chapter in Palos Heights, the Mendez family remains committed to not only running a successful business but also playing a meaningful role in the community.
“We are fortunate to do business in Palos Heights, but we want to be much more than that,” Lawrence said. “We are committed to serving our local communities, and we enjoy partnering with our schools, faith-based organizations, park districts, and police and fire departments to help fundraise in a fun and interactive way.”
She also emphasized their goal of creating a welcoming space for the neighborhood.
“We want our family restaurant to be a gathering place in the community where friends and families can come enjoy great food at a good value in a clean, comfortable and friendly restaurant,” Lawrence said. “We operators all have fond memories of growing up with McDonald’s, and we want this to continue with our guests that we have the privilege of serving here in the Palos area.”
Also having fond memories of that particular McDonald’s location in Palos Heights was Palos Area Chamber of Commerce President Todd Probasco.
“I grew up right here in town and sat right there the first time I ever came into this McDonald’s,” Probasco said. “McDonald’s membership in the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce highlights our rich history, credibility, and commitment to the community. Established in 1949, the chamber continues to thrive today supporting and promoting local businesses.”
