In 1997, Scott Kavlick bought his first McDonald’s store, located in Nesquehoning.

When corporate asked if he needed anything, he would always reply, “I need you to sell me Lehighton.”

In the 20 years since, he acquired several other stores around northeast Pennsylvania, but still longed for the Lehighton location.

Finally, in March, he got his wish.

“My Christmas present came early this year. The corporation sold the store to our organization, and we are very thankful,” Kavlick said.

On Thursday, Kavlick and his employees held a grand opening to celebrate the store’s full renovation, which took place over the past few months.

Guests ate cookies and cupcakes decorated with the golden arches and took pictures with the Hamburglar to the sounds of the Lehighton Area High School marching band.

As part of the festivities, Kavlick and his son Chris presented checks to local organizations — the band, Mahoning Valley Fire Co., Mahoning Township Police Department, Lehighton Ambulance Association and Lehighton Memorial Library.

Chris Kavlick said it was an honor to share the grand opening with organizations who make an impact on the store’s surrounding community.

“It’s been a fun process building our store’s operations and getting acquainted with many of the locals,” Chris Kavlick said.

The new renovation is a big change, but it got a thumbs-up from perhaps the most important stakeholders, the fast food restaurant’s loyal customers.

Teresa Kane and her husband, Ron, usually visit four to five times a week to chat with friends over coffee.

“It’s a meeting place, and the food is good,” Teresa said.

When the dining room closed for renovation in August, they temporarily relocated across Route 443. But as soon as it reopened, the friends resumed their traditional trips to McDonald’s.

General manager Todd Sheckler said the new store is a good look and a fresh start for the business.

Sheckler previously served as the manager of the Nesquehoning store, where they held many fundraisers for local organizations.

Sheckler said he hopes to continue that at the Lehighton store — in an effort to support the school and the entire Lehighton community.

“The community is what keeps us here. You can’t have the business if you don’t have the community supporting it,” Sheckler said.