Resident opens first Portland-area location in 10 years

While it’s common for parents to introduce their children to McDonald’s, Carl Armstrong’s father presented to his son what turned into a career opportunity.

Just a month ago, the Beaverton resident opened the first Portland-area McDonald’s in 10 years at 6399 N.W. Cornelius Pass Road. So far, it’s a great start, but it will be awhile before he reaches the level of his dad, Don, who has 13 franchises in the Beaverton-Hillsboro area.

Armstrong, 38, admits his father inspired him to take the leap from supervisor/manager at other stores to own and operate a newly constructed restaurant .

“He made me earn it,” Carl says of his dad.

Despite his industry experience and family legacy, Armstrong admits the learning curve — including the level of patience required — was a bit steeper than he’d anticipated.

“It’s been a real eye-opener,” he says. “It’s given me a whole new appreciation of anybody who’s stepped out on that ledge.”

The new McDonald’s reflects the iconic chain’s new-generation architectural style, marked by intricate stonework on the building’s exterior, outdoor fountains and a more refined dining area than the whimsical Mickey D’s of old. The store was built on a vacant lot at Cornelius Pass and West Union/185th Avenue, the former location of the Sweet Onion Grill and Larry’s Burger Joint, the latter of which dates back to the 1940s.

“I pitched the location to McDonald’s (corporate),” he says. “I’m real passionate about the area.”

Two weeks ago, Armstrong’s new venture got a little boost in notoriety when Deborah Harpine, the sole winner of an international McDonald’s contest to send someone to the 2012 London Olympics, was given a symbolic send off on a double-decker bus from the restaurant.

Harpine, a special education teacher at Vose Elementary School, took friends and family on a British-influenced tour of downtown Portland two days before she and her husband, Michael, flew to London to take in the international summer games.

Armstrong still has job openings to augment the 57 he’s already hired.

“School is about to start, so we’re looking to open our availability,” he says.

Would he like to help dad take his senior years easier by running his nearby restaurants out of business?

“I would like to,” he says with a grin. “I’d send him down to Arizona to play some golf.”

To apply for positions at the new store, visit McOregon.com.