Behind the construction vehicles, the yellow tape and the orange road markers, one might miss the new McDonalds and Ankeny's Mini Mart that opened at the 1400 14th St. SW.

Inside, the NASCAR-racing car motif adorns the bright-lighted place and the buzzing of microwaves beep, while conversations and car engines on the drive-thru fill the space.

"The community itself is kind of excited because is a new place. We have gotten a lot of compliments on the decor," said Larry Dahmen, the restaurant's manager.

The new restaurant opened at 6 a.m. Tuesday. It employs 40 to 50 employees and is smaller that the other McDonalds in town, Dahmen said.

Dahmen who has worked for McDonalds for nearly 13 years, said it is a good location for the store.

"Today society is on the move and convenience is important," he said.

With some construction still ongoing, along with the installation of gasoline pumps, Dahmen said it was slow for the first day because people probably do not know it is open.

The new location has the same ownership as other McDonalds, near the Sterling Shopping Center. The owner was not available for comment.

"It is a nice and fun place," Kristin Jorgenson said as she dined with her two children Kayla, Aaron and husband Dan. The Jorgensons, who live two blocks away, said it is convenient.

The mini mart, which has been in that same location for years, opened last Tuesday. The new building is more spacious and it has a larger cooler section, said cashier Tom Hartman. He also mentioned the addition of souvenirs.

"We already saw it happen this morning. We will pick up people stopping at McDonalds. They'll stop for gas and pick snacks and souvenirs," Hartman said.

Construction of the buildings started in September and the store hopes to have its car wash finished by next week.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at roxana.orellana@austindailyherald.com