McDonald’s is one of the most recognisable brands in the world, with the golden arches and life-shortening meals. But, they don’t all conform. In fact, one McDonald’s has gone goth and sports some very moody black arches.
On the whole, McDonald’s across the world is a safe bet. Almost every single one has pretty much the same menu, with minor local variations. The Big Mac is a staple, and they typically look exactly the same. They’re like a little safe space designed for Americans overwhelmed by culture shock.
But a few of them have something a little different. There is one I visited recently in Portugal that is considered the most beautiful in the world. It is built into one of Porto’s stunning old buildings. The front is decorated with incredible Art Deco stained glass and a huge eagle. The interior is a faithful restoration of the former 30s grandeur.
But one McDonald’s in the US has gone all goth, keeping things moody with black arches.
It’s Not A Phase Mom
If you fancy a sad burger, then you’ll find the black arches of McDonald’s on Del Monte Avenue in Monterey, California. It’s basically on the beach of the Monterey coast, too. But you would be forgiven for missing it; it’s not your typical McDonald’s.
The black arches are due to a style regulation enforced on McDonald’s by the local council. They didn’t particularly fancy a huge yellow M slapped straight on the beachfront. Instead, they insisted that the burger mega corporation bow to their stylistic whim.
The fast food chain sits at the ‘gateway to the city’, making it great for footfall, but also an important first impression of the beautiful landscape. Because of this, they insisted that they abide by a strict dress code. They didn’t want McDonald’s to dominate the experience, even if it is the cornerstone of American culture.
So, instead of yellow arches, they chose black. The rest of the exterior is downplayed, too, keeping it subtle. It’s a nice change, but it’ll never live up to that stunning Porto masterpiece. It’s a must-visit for any Big Mac fans.