By SUSAN BERG

Staff writer

The lights were on and the parking lot was full Friday evening when Wendy’s hosted a reception for invited guests.

Members of the community, businesses who assisted with the remodeling, and corporate dignitaries attended the occasion, sampling the fare that has made the restaurant chain famous.

After months of anticipation, the former McDonald’s building at 812 E. D Street was open to the public Saturday morning.

Former McDonald’s owner and operator Dan D’Albini is back at the helm as manager.

The owners of the business are McPherson residents Ted Morris and Gary Reiman.

“I’m grateful to Ted Morris for giving me this opportunity,” D’Albini said.

Morris and Reiman own 22 stores and understand the importance of being involved with communities.

“We know how important local buy-in is,” he said. “(Founder) Dave Thomas had many credos. One was to give back to the community.”

And that’s what they did with the Friday night reception.

“It feels good to be back,” D’Albini said.

The McDonald’s restaurant closed in December 2006, was sold at auction, and remodeling began about six months ago.