Jack in the Box will remain the reigning fast food option in downtown Turlock as McDonald’s has decided not to open a location at the corner of Marshall and South Center Streets, the site of the present Bonander Buick GMC car lot.

While City Engineer and Director of Development Services Mike Pitcock conceded that it is not unusual for "a business to change directions mid-stream,” he said the City of Turlock is “disappointed” the hamburger franchise has opted to not open a downtown Turlock location.

“This happens from time to time and it’s not necessarily rare, but it is not common for them to do so this late in the game, “said Pitcock. “They were provided their minor discretionary permit and reimbursement agreement but never executed it.”

The reimbursement agreement included widening East Avenue, just one of the four streets that the fast food restaurant would have bordered, as part of a capital facilities compensation program not to exceed $413,156.20 without council approval. In turn, Pitcock said the City will not be pursuing widening East Avenue at this time.

While McDonald’s never actually pulled any permits they were issued, on Dec. 11 City Planner Rose Stillo said she received an email that McDonald’s would not be moving forward with the project though no specific reasoning was stated. Director of Development for McDonald’s Tim Darnell issued the following statement:

 "McDonald's has proudly been a part of the Turlock community, and served its residents, for more than four decades.  While we were looking forward to potentially developing a location in the city of Turlock, due to a variety of circumstances, we have decided not to pursue at this time.  We will continue to explore future opportunities in the area.  In the meantime, McDonald's wants to be a good neighbor no matter where we are, and we will continue to serve our customers in our existing Turlock restaurants."

While the golden arches will not be a reality in downtown Turlock, at least not anytime soon, there are presently four other McDonald’s locations in town.