Sparks flew but McDonald’s says it was no cause for concern

Adams Tri-Cities Enterprises, the Kennewick company that operates Mid-Columbia McDonald’s franchisees, is investigating a workplace incident captured on video by a customer.

The video seemed to show repairs taking place above the heads of counter workers at one of its Richland locations while customers were still being served.

Scott Adams, director of operations, told the Herald he reviewed the video and planned to investigate what happened and why repair crews were in the 101 Wellsian Way restaurant at the time.

In a voice mail message, Adams said store managers assured him that the work did not affect the food preparation area.

“I feel good and comfortable that there were no issues with the food we were serving,” he said.

Michael Stone of Benton City was having breakfast there Wednesday when he spotted what appeared to be a welder working on the ceiling over the front counter and kitchen area.

When the worker fetched what appeared to be a grinder, Stone started recording on his phone. The video appears to show sparks and debris raining down on another worker, who tried to shielded himself and a cashier.

Adams Enterprises has operated local McDonald’s restaurants for more than 44 years. It operates 10 Mid-Columbia locations under franchise with the Illinois-based fast food giant.

This story was originally published December 14, 2017 at 5:55 PM with the headline "Sparks flew but McDonald’s says it was no cause for concern."