A McDonald's restaurant in the heart of downtown Seattle has taken the drastic step of permanently banning indoor dining, barricading its doors with plywood after a series of violent incidents including stabbings, rampant drug use, and a fatal shooting.
A Restaurant Transformed for Survival
The fast-food outlet, situated at the notorious intersection of 3rd Avenue and Pine Street in an area known locally as 'The Blade', has installed an improvised takeout hatch. A small opening in plexiglass allows staff to hand out orders and receive payment while remaining shielded from the street.
Owner-operator David Santillanes confirmed to The Independent that while the dining room first closed in 2020 for Covid-19 protocols, it has remained shut to protect employees. 'I watched a girl get shot and killed right here,' Nick, a 45-year-old former drug user in the area, told the Daily Mail, referencing a January 2020 shooting that killed a woman and injured seven others, including a child.
'McStabby's': A Nickname Born from Violence
The location has been grimly nicknamed 'McStabby's' by residents. One Seattle police officer reported witnessing three stabbings outside the restaurant since the start of the year alone. Employees and locals describe a perilous environment, particularly after dark.
'They do drugs and attack each other,' Nick said of those loitering outside. 'When it’s dark, it’s way worse — way more people getting assaulted and robbed.' An employee also reported witnessing physical assaults on the sidewalk directly outside the premises.
The broader crime statistics for Seattle underscore the challenging context. Last year, the city saw 3,145 aggravated assaults, nearly 1,440 robberies, over 380 rapes, and around 30 murders. Already this year, police have recorded 80 violent crimes, including roughly 50 aggravated assaults.
Community Efforts Amidst Crisis
Despite the severe security measures, owner David Santillanes emphasised his long-term commitment to the community. 'As a small business owner here in Seattle for 24 years, my team and I care deeply about feeding and serving this community,' he stated.
He explained that the security adaptations allow the business to continue operating while prioritising staff safety, and highlighted ongoing work with local community organisations. Santillanes's community involvement was demonstrated recently when his team presented a $25,000 donation to Mary's Place, a nonprofit supporting homeless mothers and children.
The situation occurs against a backdrop of significant homelessness in Washington state, which had the third-highest homeless population in the US in 2024. The Seattle Police Department stated that officers patrol downtown, including the 3rd and Pine hotspot, 'on a 24/7 basis', conducting proactive patrols and enforcement when not responding to emergencies.
