Two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions and a smoke-free meal.

McDonald's Corp. is conforming to public desire and banning smoking in its establishments --and State College's four franchises will be following suit.

Paul Rittenhouse Sr., owner and operator of McDonald's Restaurants at 442 E. College Ave., Hills Plaza Shopping Center, the Nittany Mall and 1615 N. Atherton St. said his restaurants will ban smoking within the next few weeks.

"I knew this was coming," said Rittenhouse, who is vacationing in Florida. "That's what the public wants."

Because he was once a smoker himself, Rittenhouse said he realizes that smokers may be upset with the decision, but added, "When people sit down to eat, they don't want to be bothered by other people's smoke."

By banning smoking, Rittenhouse said he may be saving money. The state is currently considering legislation that would require restaurants that permit smoking to provide extra ventilation, which would be an enormous cost, he said.

Some students who frequent McDonald's, 442 E. College Ave., are pleased that they will be able to devour their Big Macs and McNuggets without worrying about the dangers of secondhand smoke.

"Smoking does more harm to people around the smoker than it does to the smoker," said Kevin Brown (senior-administration of justice). "I don't think it should be allowed in any public place."

Jayme Mumaw (sophomore-biology) said for people like her father and sister, who are allergic to smoke, "It ruins the whole meal even if you're near the smoking section."

Mike Maday (junior-exercise and sports science) thinks McDonald's made a good decision.

"I don't like smoke in my face when I'm eating," he said.

But Michael Rodrigues (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) said the only reason he likes to go to McDonald's is so he can smoke after he eats, adding that it will be hard for anyone to stop people from smoking there.