The First of Many? - McDonald’s May Spur Other Retail in Watford City
Steve Hallstrom
Special to The Farmer
In the world of economic development, sometimes it takes a literal sign - specifically, a giant yellow one - to signal that a town has arrived. For Watford City, that moment might have come with the opening of McDonald’s in November of 2025.
And for readers of the McKenzie County Farmer, who saw our recent survey of community members, the “Golden Arches” might actually be the catalyst for some of the items that residents told us they’d like to see next.
Watford City Community & Business Development Director Vawnita Best sees McDonald’s as a “flagship” that might have effectively broken the seal for national retail interest in McKenzie County.
In a wide-ranging conversation about the survey, Best reflected on the momentum since the franchise landed in late 2025 and what the community can expect as we move into the new year.
The McDonald’s Breakthrough
The arrival of the world’s most famous fast-food chain wasn’t just a win for local convenience, it was a validation of the many good things that are happening in McKenzie County. And Best noted that the success of the location has caught the eye of site selectors across the country.
“That golden arch is a little bit symbolic as a flagship for a community that’s open for retail business and expansion. So the fact that McDonald’s came here was a big previous barrier to entry for us to attract additional retail. And then I think McDonald’s has been hugely successful here as well since their opening in November. So, it’s a win-win.”
The impact was immediate. Best shared that the city has since engaged a third-party retail site selection firm that only became interested in Watford City because the “Golden Arches” successfully landed here.
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