The statue wasn't damaged, said restaurant co-owner Philip Koury.
CLINTON TWP. -- Ronald McDonald has been found.
An iconic life-size statue of Ronald McDonald sitting at the end of a bench, his right arm outstretched, which has welcomed thousands of customers for over two decades, was stolen in the early-morning hours on April 27 from a McDonald's restaurant located at 185 Center St.
L to R: McDonald's restaurant owners Diane and Philip Koury, recovered Ronald McDonald statue and Detectives Dean Cerdeira and Thomas Hash. (Courtesy of Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office) Print Email Dave Hutchinson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Friday afternoon, Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns, III, said in a news release that the beloved and treasured tatue has been recovered.
"I am pleased to announce that Ronald is safe and on his way back home to Clinton Township," said Kearns. "I would like to thank Crimestoppers of Hunterdon for the vital role they played in helping to locate the statue.
"I would also like to commend the detectives from the Clinton Township Police Department and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office for their dedication and hard work. The investigation into person(s) responsible for the theft is ongoing and we will provide more details at a later date."
Philip Koury, who co-owns the restaurant with his wife, Diane, said the statue had not been damaged. He said the couple plans to have the statue refurbished and repainted.
"We're really excited," said Koury. "But it's not for us, it's for our thousands of customers. He has been a member of our family for the last 20 years. Customers young and old always enjoy sitting with Ronald and taking pictures."
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Koury said police didn't give him any information on where the statue was found, who stole it or why.
"We're very relieved that Ronald is coming back home," said Koury. "We're going to clean him up and put him back in his place of honor in the dining room. We want him to look his best for our customers in the future."
The restaurant is undergoing extensive renovations inside and outside, including the replacement of its 1970s-style roof. It's reopening is tentatively planned for May 12, said Koury.
Workers began refurbishing the restaurant on April 24. The couple had scheduled the statue to be picked up the following morning and stored in a safe location, but the company had to reschedule the pickup, the couple have said.
When workers completed their work at approximately 11 p.m. Wednesday, the statue was still on the property. But when Philip Koury returned Thursday morning at 10 a.m., he discovered that the statue was missing.
The couple immediately called police and filed a report.
The couple, who have owned the franchise since 1991 purchased the statue in 1993 or 1994 for $7,000.
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com.Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.