There goes the neighbourhood? A McDonald's is coming to Kensington

The yellow arches will soon grace Kensington, though not all businesses in one of Calgary’s most vibrant urban villages are excited about the fast food giant’s impending arrival.

A McDonald’s franchise is set to take over a vacant storefront on 10th Street N.W. that was most recently occupied by Seoul Cafe, a Korean cafe that closed in 2025.

A notice on the window suggests the McDonald’s will open sometime this winter.

Calgarian McDonald’s franchisee Marco Crimi confirmed the fast food giant is coming to Kensington in a post on LinkedIn last week.

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In a subsequent statement to Postmedia, Crimi said his restaurant will open in either late 2026 or early 2027.

“As a local McDonald’s franchisee, I’m excited to continue investing in the community I call home with the planned opening of our newest restaurant located at 273 10th Street NW in the winter of 2026/2027,” he wrote, adding the location is expected to create approximately 50 jobs.

Crimi said he’s made a career out of working for McDonald’s, starting as a crew member and working his way up to becoming the owner of multiple franchises.

“My McDonald’s journey began as a crew member, and today I’m proud to operate restaurants that provide meaningful employment opportunities, support local organizations, and serve as gathering places for families, students, and residents,” he said.

The news has generated chatter on the Calgary subreddit, with some members bemoaning the changing character of Kensington, brought by the replacement of independent businesses by large transnational corporations.

While Kensington is no stranger to nationally familiar franchises — Kensington Road used to boast both a Tim Horton’s and Calgary’s first Starbucks — the urban village has become known for its independent businesses and mom-and-pop shops.

One long-time business owner on 10th Street N.W. said he questions the decision to bring a McDonald’s to the district.

“I think it’s probably the wrong demographic,” said Lech Wojakowski, the owner of The Roasterie — a coffee shop that has operated in Kensington since 1985.