Government prepares to pull funding for the base in 1995. But the loss of McDonald's must come a close second.

Residents may have to go without Big Macs if provisions are not made for the fast food restaurant to stay on after the US Naval Air Station closes.

But the general manager of the Island's only American hamburger franchise has assured everything possible would be done to keep it here.

Mr. Dan Grayson also revealed there was a possibility of doors being opened to Bermudians on a third day during the week.

McDonald's invites residents on base every Wednesday and Sunday, which have proved to be its two busiest days.

"On those days our business doubles -- even triples,'' Mr. Grayson said. "We definitely do more local than American business.'' The NAS McDonald's is one of the few that deliver -- but only to addresses on base.

Mr. Grayson added McDonald's usually saw "record days'' during US Navy air shows.

Mr. Grayson was "not happy at all'' about the US Congress' agreeing that funding for the NAS should be cut on September 1, 1995.

"We are sad to see the navy go,'' Mr. Grayson said. "We don't know what is happening as far as McDonald's. It's all up to whoever takes over the base.

"If NATO takes over we'll have to negotiate with them, but if the Bermuda Government does, it's a whole different game. We'd very much like to stay.'' He said 1,000 to 2,000 locals passed through the restaurant's doors on Wednesdays, while slightly less visited on Sundays.

McDonald's was currently negotiating with NAS officials to open doors to locals on Saturdays as well, he said.

He added the prices reflected New York City's.

The possible loss of McDonald's did not top concerns of the Cabinet committee looking into the base's closure.

"There are just so many other things that capture our imaginations and concerns right now,'' said Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan, who is heading the committee. "There's the whole business of operating the (Civil Air Terminal).'' Sir John was not saying one way or the other what could happen to McDonald's: "It's just too early right now.'' However, Community Affairs Minister the Hon. Wayne Furbert expressed some concern.

He was "sure'' the future of McDonald's would eventually be discussed by the base committee.

"I'll miss it myself,'' he said of McDonald's.

Some high points -- and low points in the nearly ten-year presence of McDonald's on the NAS (it opened its doors in 1985): September 15, 1988: Fast-food celebrity clown Ronald McDonald delights youngsters with a visit during an NAS open house.

October 19, 1989: Bermudians complain of "price-jacking'' at McDonald's during the annual Bermudian-American Friendship Festival and Air Show. The restaurant responded by saying it was trying to make up for the $6,000 it spent on shipping in five extra containers of food to meet expected demand.

September 9, 1991: A record 6,000-plus residents pass through the doors of a jam-packed McDonald's during the year's two-day air show and friendship festival.

June 9, 1993: The NAS slams doors to locals for three weeks after a Bermudian is involved in a collision with an officer's wife. Wednesday and Sunday visits to McDonalds were suspended while the US Navy investigated the accident. It determined more safety briefings should be given at the front gate on those days.

Residents were invited back for July 4 celebrations.