McDonald’s, Mickey D’s, the Golden Arches—no matter what you call this quintessentially American fast-food joint, you wouldn’t typically call it “fine dining.” But that might all change soon, thanks to a new McDonald’s that just opened in Hong Kong.
The restaurant, called “McDonald’s Next,” is the company’s latest attempt to adapt to the changing appetites of modern consumers. While you can still order many of the menu classics, including the iconic Big Mac, you can also opt instead for a gourmet burger with white-truffle sauce and caramelized onions on a brioche bun. If burgers aren’t really your thing, McDonald’s Next also sports a full salad bar. From one of the many glowing touch-screen kiosks in the restaurant, customers can order fully customized salads topped with quinoa and crayfish scrambled eggs. When the order is ready, a waitress brings it out to the table on a wooden plate.
But the area in which McDonald’s Next is truly next level is dessert. Forget apple pies and a broken ice cream machine. Instead, try a matcha sundae served on a sweet potato waffle, or maybe one of the many delectable cakes that are made on site every day.
McDonald’s hasn’t made any moves to indicate that McDonald’s Next will be coming to more cities soon. It still remains to be seen whether there is a large market for upscale quick-service dining. What do you think? Is fancy fast food the next big thing or a contradiction in terms?
