Nativity scene on storefront of Tenn. McDonald’s goes viral

SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WZTV) – Earlier this holiday season, many declared a “War on Christmas”when Starbucks opted for a red cup that displayed more “quietness” than Christmas. If you plan on visiting a McDonald’s location in Spring Hill, that won’t be the case.

A photo of the McDonald’s located at 5431 Main St. has gone viral because of the Nativity scene painted onto the storefront’s glass with the words “His name is Jesus” and “Rejoice” for all to see.

The photo was posted by Amy Basel on her Facebook page, stating “Drove by and did a double-take. Growing up in the mitten, you would NEVER see this. Tennessee McDonald’s…you made my day. ‘His name is Jesus.'”

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By 3 p.m. Eastern time Thursday, the post had been shared more than 55,800 times, racked up more than 74,600 “Likes,” and had generated plenty of buzz with more than 4,400 comments.

WZTV spoke with Gina Wolfe the co-owner of the McDonald’s. She and her husband Tony own three Spring Hill locations, as well as locations in Columbia and Mt. Pleasant. While the scene is just now going viral, Wolfe says this is far from something new.

“It’s a family business which has been owned and operated by my family for 40 years. My dad started this 40 years ago when he had a local art student paint it on his store. My husband and I have been owners for 28 years and we’ve done this or something similar during Christmas each year. I guess with social media, it’s taken off,” Wolfe says.

Wolfe says the community has “embraced” their Christmas themes on the storefronts ever since it started: “We have so many people that tell us it really kicks off the season for them when they see it on our stores. We are so pleased people enjoy it.”

All stores have the Nativity scene on the front of the location each year. Paintings on the side of the restaurants will vary, usually consisting of characters such as Charlie Brown, “Frozen” icons, or any other favorites this time of year . The tradition has grown so large, they have had to hire people to paint them on their stores. Wolfe says she and her husband enjoy doing this and they are thankful to be living in the mid-state where people are so friendly.

“It’s just an amazing place to live no matter what part of town you choose. It’s all about the community,” she said.