The iconic golden arches of McDonald’s are a familiar sight across more than 100 countries around the globe.
When you spot that bright yellow “M” set against a vibrant red background, you immediately know what to expect – it’s a reliable choice for a good meal.
However, there are certain McDonald’s outlets among the over 41,000 worldwide that, for various reasons, opt not to use the traditional colors.
McDonald’s states that around 93 percent of its global restaurants are owned and managed by independent local entrepreneurs.
So, why would anyone choose to depart from the brand’s signature colors?
Before answering that, let’s explore the only McDonald’s in the world with blue arches – or more specifically, turquoise.
This unique location is in Sedona, Arizona, where you can find ‘the blue arches’ – which doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.
This is the only McDonald’s globally with this color scheme, but aside from its exterior, it remains like any other location.
There’s no special menu, no extraordinary architectural features, or unique interior design – it’s your average McDonald’s.
So, what led to the color change?
Constructed in 1993, city officials feared that the classic golden arches would disrupt Sedona’s picturesque red rock scenery.
To proceed with opening the McDonald’s, the franchise was required to alter its logo to the teal shade.
In an interview with ABC 15, Cari Meyer, Senior Planner for the City of Sedona’s Department of Community Development, explained: “McDonald’s was built in the early 1990s, right after the city was incorporated in 1989. Someone suggested it would be interesting if they did something else than golden arches to fit in with the identity that the city decided to establish.”
Though the blue color makes it unique, Sedona’s isn’t the only McDonald’s with a different color scheme.
In Monterey, California, visitors can find a McDonald’s with black arches, again for reasons similar to the Arizona branch, while Rocklin, California, features a McDonald’s with red arches.
In Europe, there are more unconventional McDonald’s locations – Paris, France, and Bruges, Belgium, both feature white arches outside their establishments.
The one in Paris, situated on the prestigious Avenue des Champs-Élysées, aligns with the city’s architectural guidelines, amidst luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel.