09-06-2025
Details released about plans to bring McDonald's to Airport Drive area
Local McDonald's owner/operators Phil Close and Alex Maffei have announced plans to open a McDonald's restaurant this fall at 25651 Fir Road, near Harp's grocery store in Airport Drive.
This location will be the 10th restaurant locally owned and operated by the father-daughter duo and their second in Joplin. The family also operates restaurants in Aurora, Jane, Monett, and Neosho, as well as Grove, Jay, and Miami in Northeast Oklahoma.
'McDonald's is more than just a restaurant; it's a gathering place, a first job opportunity, a supporter of our local schools, and a proud partner to Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Four States,' Alex Maffei said in a statement. 'We're proud to expand our role as part of the fabric of the Joplin community.'
In a statement, the owners said the new Joplin restaurant will bring more than 70 jobs to the area, from crew members to managers.
'We're passionate about providing career paths and leadership opportunities to our team,' said Maffei. 'Many start with us and go on to do incredible things throughout the Four-States area.'
The new location will also offer comprehensive employee benefits, including Archways to Opportunity, in which eligible McDonald's employees can receive up to $3,000 per semester toward college tuition.
Hiring has begun for the new restaurant. Apply by texting MO501 to 38000 or by visiting the McDonald's at 4436 Missouri Highway 43 in the Petro Truck Stop in person.
McDonald's has more than 38,000 locations in over 100 countries. Approximately 93% of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local businessmen and women.
