Seattle, Washington, is grappling with rising crime rates, leading a downtown McDonald’s to eliminate indoor dining and introduce an improvised takeout service. The establishment, situated at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and Pine Street, has become a flashpoint for violence, including stabbings and drug-related incidents.
The decision to restrict indoor seating follows a dramatic history of turmoil at the location, which includes a tragic shooting in January 2020 that left one woman dead and seven others injured. Local resident Nick, 45, recounted a horrifying experience, stating, “I witnessed a girl get shot and killed right here.” Such incidents have prompted a shift in the operation style of the fast-food outlet, which has become a meeting place for unsavory activities.
David Santillanes, the operator of the McDonald’s, confirmed that the dining area was closed initially as a safety precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic and has remained shuttered due to ongoing safety concerns in the area, known as The Blade. “We’ve had to take measures to protect our employees and our customers as crime and poverty continue to affect this community,” he said.
Currently, the restaurant’s doors are boarded up, with customers now utilizing a makeshift takeout window featuring a small opening for transactions. This adaptation has become a necessity as safety concerns mount, with many loitering nearby and engaging in risky behavior. “It gets really dangerous after dark,” Nick noted. “More people get assaulted and robbed.”
The violence has not gone unnoticed by local law enforcement. One police officer reported witnessing multiple stabbings in front of the eatery since the start of the year, a situation that has earned the establishment a grim nickname among locals: “McStabby’s.” Reports from the Seattle Police Department indicate a significant increase in violent crime, with 3,145 aggravated assaults and nearing 1,440 robberies recorded last year alone.
Despite the challenges, Santillanes remains committed to his community. He emphasized safety and staffing measures to continue supporting the neighborhood while working closely with local organizations. Recently, his team at another McDonald’s location donated $25,000 to Mary’s Place, a nonprofit serving homeless mothers and their children.
Washington has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the nation, putting additional pressure on local businesses like this McDonald’s. In response to the worsening situation, the Seattle Police Department conducts regular patrols in high-crime areas, employing both bike and foot patrols to deter unlawful activities.
As the city confronts these pressing issues, the McDonald’s in downtown Seattle illustrates a broader challenge faced by urban centers: balancing safety, community service, and the ongoing fight against crime. The changes made by Santillanes and his team reflect a resilience that seeks to bring positive change, even amid turmoil.