Union's golden arches open, but don't expect Happy Meals

After a four day hiatus, UA students surged through the Memorial Student Union's own golden arches Friday after the fire marshal OK'd the new mezzanine-level restaurant.

"We had a very smooth opening; we were extremely busy," said Debbie Gorman, manager of the Student Union McDonald's restaurant.

"We have a whole new crew, so we're just trying to work through the opening jitters," she added.

The restaurant was scheduled to open Oct. 27 but was delayed, pending the fire marshal's final approval.

Gorman said prices at the Student Union McDonald's will be the same as the East Speedway Boulevard location.

Song lyrics, "Big Mac, McDLT, Quarter Pounder with cheese..." apply to the new restaurant as it sports a full menu with one notable exception: no happy meals.

Smiles are still for free though, according to Gorman.

The art-deco-style store accepts All-Aboard cards and will offer several promotions and coupons, Gorman said.

As of Sunday, store hours were:

• Monday - Thursday: 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.

• Friday: 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Weekends: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Gorman added the hours may fluctuate according to University of Arizona sports games and other special events.

French-fry-dipping and McNugget-dunking fast-food enthusiasts can look forward to a prolonged relationship with Ronald McDonald.

"I think it's nice to have some food that's familiar," said Greg Kaczynski, a media arts senior as he bit into his cheeseburger.

"You can be assured of somewhat decent food with a corporate franchise," he added with a grimace.

The Student Environmental Action Coalition, an environmental group, planned to protest the opening of McDonald's today from about noon until 2 p.m., said Chris Ford, UA SEAC coordinator.