Burger King undergoing major remodel

The full remodel recently began with the outside of the building, and when that is finished the inside will be fully remodeled as well.

It’s the first major remodel since the restaurant opened, Heller said. “We have done some lighter forms of image enhancement over the years. This is the first time we have done a complete, major remodel.”

“You always want to freshen things up, and it was time to do that. Every now and then, you want to do something, and now and then you want to do it all,” he explained.

The remodel will give the restaurant a whole new look, inside and out.

Restaurant General Manager Linda Hanson, who has worked at The Dalles franchise for 18 years, is looking forward to the changes. “It is a whole new look, inside and out,” she said. The building will remain basically the same, but the style will completely change, she said. The restaurant will incorporate new signage, and a new décor in the dining area.

Although some changes will be made in the kitchen area, some equipment will not be replaced during the remodel.

New kitchen equipment is currently being reviewed and approved by Burger King, so Heller is holding off until that equipment is approved and available.

“I want to wait until the new kitchen equipment is ready, because I want the latest and greatest,” he explained.

The primary remodel, inside and out, will be completed this fall. In the meantime, the restaurant remains open. The exterior construction hasn’t hurt business at all, Hanson noted.

“Business is great, we are doing really good,” she said.

Customers frequently ask about the changes, and what the remodeled restaurant will look like. “They are excited about it,” she said.

When pressed to describe the new décor, Heller and Hanson both hedged off.

“We’ve got some surprises coming,” Heller said with a smile. “It’s going to be a whole new look here at Burger King.”