‘I built my very first new McDonald’s in 1986’- Rex Adams, construction superintendent

Rex Adams is right at home at his office on wheels; “have trailer-will build.

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- Before Big Mac can come to town, Rex Adams has a job to do and will be here to welcome Big Mac to its brand new building that he’s constructing in Downtown La Follette. Adams guesstimates mid-October, weather permitting, will be close to when the new McDonald’s will open its doors and double drive-thru on West Central Avenue between South 5th and 7th Streets.

Who knew when La Follette High School was built on this piece of land in 1917 that more than 100 years later, a McDonald’s would be in its place?

The affable Adams, a 41-year veteran with Hudson Company out of Alabama, built his very first McDonald’s at Boaz, Alabama. Though he’d been on several Big Mac builds before, Boaz was his first solo effort, and he’s been soloing ever since.

“I refurbished the McDonald’s at Jacksboro last year,” said Adams, a 1980s Auburn grad. Adams is the first to tell you he’s old school even though he’s getting used to the kiosks and all the changes of the modern times calling the biggest challenge being adapting to the technology.

Rex Adams blueprint

Adams has built about 35 McDonald’s over the years in big towns and small towns. Even though he could likely build a McDonald’s in his sleep, Adams leans on reading his blueprint to make sure every Mc Donald’s he builds is right down the line. His mission runs from day one to opening day, start to finish. “I’ll be there on opening day to take care of anything that may crop up on that very first day,” said Adams.

“McDonald’s has been Hudson Company’s bread-n-butter for more than 50 years working through McDonald’s Corporate of Chicago,” said Adams.

Rex Adams grew up a farm boy and wanted to work outside in his career. And he does.

One of Adams fondest memories is from the 1986 opening of McDonald’s at Hazard, Kentucky. “A 90 year old man came out to McDonald’s on opening day, and it was his first fast food meal,” said Adams.

The full concrete portion of the project begins next week.

Adams explains that opening day is generally chaotic except in a big city. “Now in a rural area like here, cars will be wrapped around the building, police will be directing traffic, it’ll be packed,” said Adams.

Rex Adams mission runs from day one to opening day, start to finish.

When Big Mac rolls into town this fall, Rex Adams will be there on opening day to welcome Mickey D to his new digs. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/03/2025-6AM)

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