A McDonald’s in downtown Seattle has surrendered to the chaos surrounding it, abandoning its front doors entirely. Now, customers order through a small opening in a plexiglass barrier, a stark symbol of the escalating struggles within the city.
The restaurant, located just blocks from the bustling Pike Place Market, has become known to locals as “McStabby’s.” Plywood now covers shattered glass, a desperate attempt to shield the building from relentless vandalism and a grim testament to the dangers lurking outside.
Nick, a 45-year-old Seattle resident, describes the area as a magnet for trouble. He recounts witnessing a fatal shooting near the McDonald’s in January 2020, a horrific event that claimed the life of a young woman and injured seven others, including a child.
The memory is etched in his mind, pointing to the very spot where the tragedy unfolded. He explains that the situation deteriorates dramatically after dark, with assaults and robberies becoming commonplace.
More recently, in February 2024, a 29-year-old man was allegedly stabbed in the head while waiting for his food. His partner, Christopher Burns, described the attack as completely random, a brutal assault that began with an unprovoked attack on their dog.
Even the employees bear witness to the daily turmoil. One young worker recounted seeing physical assaults unfold right on the sidewalk, describing scenes of people “tripping out” and a constant stream of disturbing incidents.
The dining room was initially closed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but it never reopened. The owner, David Santillanes, explained the decision was made to prioritize the safety of his staff amidst the escalating crime and pervasive poverty in the area.
Santillanes, a 24-year veteran of Seattle’s small business community, emphasized his commitment to serving the community while ensuring the well-being of his team. Security measures were implemented, but the situation continued to worsen.
Police acknowledge the challenges, stating that downtown Seattle is patrolled around the clock, with increased attention focused on hotspots like 3rd and Pine. Efforts include bike patrols, foot beats, warrant arrests, and targeted drug enforcement.
Despite these efforts, the altered McDonald’s stands as a haunting reminder of the struggles facing the city, a place where even a fast-food restaurant must adapt to survive in a climate of fear and violence.
