By By SPIROS GALLOS / Niles Daily Star
NILES - When the old McDonald's store burned down on May 3, several employees were unsure what they would do.
Some stayed with the company and worked at other stores until the Niles McDonald's was rebuilt. Others found employment elsewhere.
Ann Maxwell has worked at the Niles McDonald's for 18 years, save the six months between the destruction of the old store and the opening of the new one Thursday.
Maxwell, the store activities representative, was working at the McDonald's when the fire broke out back in May.
The restaurant staff was busy cleaning the store due to President George W. Bush's visit to Niles that day. Maxwell was going about her daily duties when fire started.
After the fire, the company attempted to transfer all the misplaced employees to new stores, including Maxwell.
Maxwell declined for two reasons. "I didn't want to travel that far and I wanted to stay home," she said.
While she stayed at home, Maxwell enjoyed spending time with her six grandchildren.
Maxwell grew up on 13th Street, not that far from the Niles McDonald's location. She left Niles after getting married but returned about 27 years ago, she said.
Maxwell said she's more than ready to get back to work.
So what does Maxwell think of her new surroundings?
There are a few other returning employees coming back to the store in addition to Maxwell, as well as many new faces.
Ann Maxwell, welcome back.