Where Mac Meets Mack

Travelers who believe that the best fast food is found where the truckers go may soon be following the big rigs to McDonald's.

The hamburger giant will begin work this fall on its first facility designed especially for the drivers who push the Macks, Harvesters and other large vehicles. Called--what else?--McStop, the Lakeville, Minn., complex will feature a McDonald's restaurant plus a gas station, motel, convenience store and a small shopping center. Included will be double-width lanes and extra-large parking spaces for semitrailers and recreational vehicles. Says Company Vice President Richard Starmann: "This is a special McDonald's for the interstate traveler."

Though McDonald's bought the land and designed the development, McStop will not mark the fast-food company's expansion into other lines of business. McDonald's has recruited St. Paul Developer A.D. Divine, who will sign up the retailers and motel and service-station operators. The entire complex will be ready for customers around the first of the year. If enough of them pull over, the Minnesota McStop could become the basis for a whole new chain.