Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Elderly Men Fight For Right To Loiter At Queens McDonald's
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 15, 2014
Modified Jan 15, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 15, 2014
Modified Jan 15, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Now that we know one can eat nothing but McDonald's and get healthier, it's a wonder more people haven't taken to living in a McD's 24/7. Some senior citizens in Queens are apparently coming close to making the joint feel like a home away from home: the Times reports that elderly Korean men have been clashing with management at a Flushing McDonald's, where they're accused of loitering all day while sharing meager orders of fries.
The Times reports that the men occupy the benches at the McDonald’s on the corner of Parsons and Northern Boulevards around 5 a.m., and often linger there till late at night. This has apparently been going on for the last five years, but tensions have escalated over recent months; there have been at least four 911 calls since Nov. to kick them out.
“It’s a McDonald’s,” said Martha Anderson, the general manager, “not a senior center.” The men argue that they are paying customers, and it takes them a little extra time to get through their food: “Do you think you can drink a large coffee within 20 minutes?” David Choi, 77, said. “No, it’s impossible.”
Of course, these elderly men don't particularly care for the food: “We prefer our own Korean food,” said Hoick Choi, 76. They even stock up on free lunch at a nearby senior center before returning to McDonald's. Instead, they are drawn to the place for companionship; many of the men are widowers.
Unless cops crack down and clear the McDonald's Zuccotti-park style, these guys aren't going to roll over: “I will just listen to them,” Il Ho Park said after an officer told him to leave. “But I will come back inside after they leave.” As long as these guys don't pull a Cocoon and return as rowdy teenagers, maybe the Flushing McDonald's management should count their blessings.
Tagged
loitering
mcdonald's
ny times
queens
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
Egyptian, Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian food is delicious but underrepresented in the city.
By
Robert Sietsema
Published Oct 10, 2026
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
The global dish is shapeshifting and ubiquitous.
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
By
Hannah Frishberg
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
By
Robert Sietsema
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .