ICONIC Queen Street Mall restaurant Jo-Jo’s is set to be replaced by a McDonald’s.

An application from the fast-food giant to carry out balcony and entrance works to the facade has been submitted to Brisbane City Council.

Jo-Jo’s, owned by Brisbane hairdressing king Stefan Ackerie, closed last month after 37 years, during which it became one of the Mall’s best-known venues.

The prime position, on the junction of Queen and Albert streets, will allow McDonald’s to put pressure on rival Hungry Jack’s, which is located on the opposite corner.

McDonald’s has obtained a State Heritage Exemption Certificate to carry out works to the balcony over Burnett Lane.

There are already five McDonald’s restaurants located nearby — at Wintergarden, Central Station, Roma St station and two at the Myer Centre.

A website announcing Jo-Jo’s will reopen in Melbourne St in May describes the eatery as “Brisbane’s most iconic restaurant”.

Mr Ackerie said he hoped to open the new restaurant, with views of the Skyneedle, on his birthday on May 31.

media_camera Artist’s impression of how the new McDonald’s will look.

He told The Courier-Mail he did not know how he felt about McDonald’s taking over the location.

“I sort of don’t feel either way,” he said.

“I just hope for whatever is best for Brisbane.”

Brisbane City Council city planning chairman Julian Simmonds said council had received some preliminary documents for the application, but further documentation was required before an assessment began.

He said the plans would give the 1102sq m space a new life, allowing it to remain open to the public.

“The application proposes a refurbishment of the interior area, with some upgrades to the balcony dining space,” Cr Simmonds said.

“A new McDonald’s in the Mall would offer hungry shoppers another option for grabbing a bite to eat while they browse our city’s world-class selection of stores, or to relax and enjoy the view from the balcony at this prime city centre site.

“With such a well-known McTenant, this site would be assured to remain a mainstay of the Queen Street Mall for many years to come.”