Niverville’s brand-new McDonald’s opened its doors to the public on the morning of Friday, September 19 for the first time. The first customers entered at 5:00 a.m., and by midmorning there was a steady stream of people coming and going, grabbing hot coffees and breakfasts, as well as sharing warm greetings with owners Brett and Jodie O’Meara.

Visitors were quick to share their excitement about stepping inside the restaurant, meeting the friendly crew, and participating in the weeklong prize draws.

“I was curious to see how it looked inside, but I wasn’t planning on going there this morning because I thought the lineups would be too long,” says one early customer, Jennifer Ash. “When I drove by to check it out, I decided to stop by and go in. My first impression was that it was bright and clean. It was a little surreal to walk into a McDonald’s without having to leave Niverville.”

Ash, who admits she was initially unsure about the new restaurant, says she now sees it as a positive addition to town.

“I’m really excited that they are committed to hiring local teens. I think it’s a great first-time job and I’m happy that my children will have the opportunity to apply there when they are a little older.”

The official ribbon-cutting took place shortly after 10:00 a.m., with a crowd gathered outside the front doors.

Among the crowd was Mel Buhler, who once owned the land where the restaurant stands. Having grown up in New Bothwell and attended high school in Niverville, Buhler retained ownership of the lot until handing over the keys in May 2025.

Buhler previously served as a member of the Niverville Chamber of Commerce and worked alongside town council on various development projects.

“A desire of my heart was to help in some way to bring this McDonald’s to Niverville,” he says. “I know beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I do think the building has such a beautiful exterior. One of the first things my wife Kathy and I noticed as construction developed was how much has changed in that immediate area. It is a transformed corner and it’s beautiful to see.”

Buhler is reflective about the town’s growth. Witnessing the ribbon-cutting was a full-circle moment, the closing of one chapter and the start of a new venture.

“Kathy and I would like to thank the entire McDonald’s corporation that made this all possible and wish our community, and McDonald’s, many wonderful years together.”

Shortly after 10:00 a.m., Brett O’Meara was joined by his wife Jodie and their team members to address the crowd.

“What an incredible day for Niverville. It’s been a long time coming,” O’Meara said. “On behalf of myself and Jodie, our family, and our new extended family here in Niverville, we are just so blessed and excited to be joining this community. Thank you for coming today, and with that…”

O’Meara gestured to Mayor Myron Dyck, who was present to officially welcome the new restaurant, ceremonial scissors in hand.

“This is something I only had a small part in,” said Dyck. “There are many people here who helped bring this to life. Feel free to put your hands on the scissors, everybody. Let’s do this together. That’s how we do things in this community; we do things together.”

The restaurant is now open with a 24-hour drive thru and dine-in hours from 5:00 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. daily.