Next month the hospital will get rid of the fast food chain, discontinuing a long-term lease that has allowed McDonald’s to operate there for 20 years, according to the report. The restaurant will close Sept. 18.
“We want to demonstrate that we can walk the talk by being a healthier organization,” Cleveland Clinic spokeswoman Eileen Sheil said, according to The Plain Dealer, adding that removing McDonald’s is part of a much broader wellness campaign at the hospital.
Cleveland Clinic CEO Toby Cosgrove, a cardiac surgeon, has been trying to close McDonald’s in the food court for more than 10 years, but the chain maintained its right to continue operating under the terms of its lease, according to the report.
In a statement issued this week, Turan Strange, the franchisee who owns Cleveland Clinic’s McDonald’s, spoke positively about his business.
“My family and employees have enjoyed serving the Cleveland Clinic community for the past 20 years,” Mr. Strange said, according to the report. He added, “We invite families and residents in the hospital community to visit our other Cleveland-area restaurants for the variety of balanced choices of food and beverages that we’re proud to serve.”
The statement also said that employees of the food-court franchise will be offered jobs in Mr. Strange’s other restaurants.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.