'McLovin' Fostoria couple celebrates 50 year anniversary

FOSTORIA – Fifty years ago, love was on the menu at the local McDonald's. Today, that love is celebrated as Louis and Cindy Watkins mark their golden anniversary, reminiscing about the day they met over burgers and fries in 1974. Fostoria received its first McDonald's location the same year the couple met, which was located at 601 Plaza Drive. It was here that the couple met and fell in love, shortly before deciding to stand together under a not-so-golden arch. "Likely, we wouldn't have met otherwise," said Cindy. Louis graduated from Fostoria High School at the same time Cindy graduated from Lakota High School, and according to Cindy, the couple met around Christmas in 1973. The following August, the two were married in Risingsun by Cindy's father, a pastor at the First Church of God within the village. Regarding the decision to be married at a young age, Cindy said "People will doubt your (relationship) regardless of your age. The best thing you can do is prove them wrong. ... Numerous people told us that it would never last." Cindy shared some advice for couples who get married at a similar age - "Never give up and always try to work things out. Don't just walk away." Today, the Watkins family have two children together, Louis Watkins (49), who is married to Misty Watkins and Benjamin Watkins (46), for a combined six grandchildren and one great-grandchild They continue to make McDonalds a part of their life and their romance hasn't gone unnoticed by the company. From 3-5 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Fostoria location, their marriage will be celebrated by the restaurant with decor, cupcakes and more by family and friends. "It makes me happy to know they continue to make our stores a part of their lives since that's where they feel their lives started together," said Melissa Helmer, swing manager at the Fostoria location.