Costa Family McDonald’s celebrated the grand opening of their first restaurant in Santa Rosa Beach on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
- The new 4,000-square-foot location, situated at 2010 US Highway 98 adjacent to Publix, marks a significant milestone for the company and the community.
The restaurant boasts a spacious parking area, drive-thru, and ample dine-in space. Notably, this location introduces kiosks that allow customers to pay cash for their orders, a first for the market. The opening has also created over 60 new jobs in the area.
“For years we have been looking for the right locations in Santa Rosa Beach and we are so excited to finally be able to bring a McDonald’s to South Walton,” said David Costa, Jr., owner and operator of Costa Family McDonald’s.
The grand opening began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m., attended by the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce. The Costa Family presented $500 checks to South Walton High School, South Walton Fire District, and Walton County Sheriff’s Office, with David Costa personally doubling each donation to $1,000.
- As the restaurant officially opened to the public at 10 a.m., the first 50 customers were rewarded with free Big Macs or Happy Meals for a year, redeemable only at Costa Family McDonald’s locations.
“Opening the restaurant with 61 employees has been a true dream to watch our new team come together as we welcome residents and guests alike into our new restaurant,” Costa shared.
This opening marks the first of two planned Santa Rosa Beach locations for Costa in 2024, with the second set to open across from the Walmart in west Santa Rosa Beach. The company aims to give back to the local community, schools, and charities surrounding each restaurant in Walton County.
- Local artist Lindsay Tobias is currently working on a 14′ x 8′ mural that captures the nostalgia and family bond associated with McDonald’s.