Costa Family McDonald’s Opens First McDonald’s in Santa Rosa Beach

Costa Family McDonald’s opened the first McDonald’s in Santa Rosa Beach on June 13, 2024.

Located at 2010 US Highway 98, the new restaurant, adjacent to Publix in Santa Rosa Beach, was built by Stansell Properties & Development and spans 4,000 square feet, featuring a large parking area, drive-thru, and plenty of dine-in space for patrons to enjoy. For the first time in the market, this location also features kiosks where customers will have the option to pay cash for their orders. The newest Costa location has created over 60 jobs for the community.

“For years we have been looking for the right locations in Santa Rosa Beach and we are so excited to finally be able to bring a McDonald’s to South Walton,” shared owner/operator, David Costa, Jr.

The day started with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at 9 a.m. with the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, followed by check presentations. The Costa Family donated $500 each to South Walton High School, South Walton Fire District, and Walton County Sheriff’s Office. David Costa announced that he would double each donation, totaling $1,000 to each entity.

The restaurant officially opened to the public at 10 a.m., and the first 50 customers at the Santa Rosa Beach McDonald’s received free Big Macs or Happy Meals for a year, limited to Costa Family McDonald’s only.

“Opening the restaurant with 61 employees has been a true dream to watch our new team come together as we welcome residents and guests alike into our new restaurant”, said Costa.

This is the first of two Santa Rosa Beach locations Costa plans to open in 2024 with the second location coming in across from the Walmart in west Santa Rosa Beach. With the two new locations, Costa plans to give back to the local community, schools, and charities surrounding each restaurant in Walton County. Local artist, Lindsay Tobias, is currently painting a mural that exemplifies the nostalgia and family bond that McDonald’s inspires that will span 14’ x 8’ across.

Since the company was founded in 1994, the Costa family has made it a pillar of their company framework to give back to the community and support in various ways.