Updates on three new restaurants in southwestern Illinois. Two opened, third on the way

McDonald’s at 906 Carlyle Ave., Belleville, held its grand opening July 14.

The event had about 130 attendees, maybe more, according to Terry Knoth of Estel Foods, Inc., and included a flag-raising ceremony conducted by the Belleville East High School Jr. ROTC. Among those in attendance were Belleville Mayor Patty Gregory, who participated in the ribbon cutting.

The old McDonald’s restaurant across from Belleville East closed in March and the building was demolished to make way for the new facility. The new restaurant has some new features, including a double drive-thru.

The original restaurant was built at the site in 1979. A major renovation was done in 2001.

Lobby hours for McDonald’s are 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Drive-thru hours are 5 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday, and 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday-Saturday. For information, call 618-277-7897 or visit mcdonalds.com.

A new Mexican restaurant is coming to Collinsville

A new Mexican restaurant is coming to the site of the former Ruby Tuesday at 604 N. Bluff Road in Collinsville.

“We are just now beginning construction and have quite a ways to go at this point,” according to Christy Jacinto of Agavero.

Among recent online chatter on The Collinsville Connection Facebook page, someone wrote, “Seen Ruby Tuesday has been leased. Anybody know what is going in there?”

In response to the June 26 post, one commenter shared the link to Agavero’s Facebook page, where a spokesperson for the business replied to a comment on a June 4 post that they are “shooting for an early fall opening date.”

More information will be reported as it becomes available.

There’s a new Burger King in O’Fallon

Burger King at 1751 Frank Scott Parkway East in O’Fallon is open.

Dine-in hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Drive thru hours are 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

Mobile ordering is available. For more information, call 618-726-2074 or visit online at bk.com.