A McDonald’s restaurant located in Uptown Minneapolis has announced the decision to lock its dining room doors during business hours due to escalating safety concerns. Effective December 5, 2023, the restaurant will restrict access to its dining area from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. to protect both staff and customers amid rising crime rates in the area.
The change, articulated in a notice placed on the restaurant’s door, emphasizes the commitment to maintaining a safe environment. The sign states, “Attention guests, effective Friday, December 5th, our dining room doors will be locked and attended during our normal business hours… We will deny access to any individual who we consider a risk to maintaining a safe environment for our guests.”
This McDonald’s franchise has been a part of the Uptown community for over 30 years. Local owner Mike Darula expressed pride in the restaurant’s long-standing relationship with the community and highlighted the measures taken to enhance security. “At our Uptown restaurant, we’ve made some updates to our security measures to help ensure a safe and welcoming environment,” he said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
The decision comes as Minneapolis grapples with a notable increase in violent crime. According to police data, the city reported 4,473 total violent crimes in the current fiscal year, including 2,839 cases of aggravated assault and 65 homicides. These alarming statistics have prompted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to intensify its operations in the Twin Cities, particularly through a campaign known as Operation Metro Surge.
Operation Metro Surge aims to address crime in the area, resulting in the arrests of individuals identified as “child sex offenders, domestic abusers, and violent gang members.” In a statement from DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, the department affirmed its commitment to safeguarding the community, saying, “ICE law enforcement are risking their lives to protect Minnesotans… No matter when and where, ICE will find, arrest and deport ALL criminal illegal aliens.”
The implementation of locked doors at this McDonald’s location reflects broader concerns regarding safety and security in urban areas. As crime rates continue to rise, businesses are increasingly taking measures to protect their patrons and employees. The restaurant, one of 11 McDonald’s in Minneapolis and part of a larger network of over 13,500 locations across the United States, underscores the challenges faced by local establishments in maintaining a safe environment for all.
As the situation develops, local residents and customers will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the community and the restaurant’s operations.
