Goodbye, Uncle: This McDonald’s Has Left the Building

"The McDonald's family is the friend of the world, we always hold hands / ... not to mention happy meals, where we get all sorts of toys / ... I'm a junk food eater, junk food eater, McDonald's will always be my bff."

Those are roughly the lyrics being sung by the girl in the video above. She is mourning the closing of Beijing’s second-oldest McDonald’s last Sunday.

The McDonald's outlet that first opened in Chang'an Market in Fuxingmen 20 years ago, served many a Beijinger their first fast-food experience. Scores of locals, notably from the post-'80s and post-'90s generations, have fond memories of it.

On the night of the closing, mourners paid a final visit to the restaurant. They shed tears, snapped photos and munched on Chicken McNuggets. The outpouring on Weibo was just as cheesy, with recollections of birthday parties and one girl going as far as referring to Ronald McDonald as family. Here are a couple of blurbs we found and translated:

The McDonald’s in Chang'an Market was Beijing’s second oldest; it is now no longer with us. Over time, “Uncle” has provided us with fond memories. Today all we can say is “Goodbye Uncle.” When I was little, I went to that place often. I also have proof! Ha ha ha (see photos above and below).

I’m old now, but I still remember. It was my first year of work. My name was broadcast on the speakers there (McDonald’s), and I was wished a happy birthday. That was the first place I ate McDonald’s. When I was little, that place carried so much happiness into my life.

Even though this “Uncle” has left the building, there's no reason to feel sad for McDonald’s. The fast-food corporate giant is still going strong in China.

Photos: Sina Weibo