The Most Beautiful McDonald's In The World

Over the past month or so, the Fairhope McDonald's has received a facelift.  I was excited about the new design, until I traveled over the holidays and saw the same scheme on at least three other McDonalds.

The great homogenization of America continues.

Corporate McDonalds said they were striving for a "Starbucks" look.

Really?

Why do you think people ooh and ahh over downtown Fairhope?  Because it doesn't look like any other place. People like uniqueness. If they want a box store and a parking lot, they can spend their vacation at Anytown USA.

When my husband and I were first married, and without children, (ahh - give me a moment to savor that memory . . .) we drove cross - country.  We stuck to our plan and traveled only back roads and ate at locally owned restaurants.  It was the best trip ever.

But on the occasions we have traveled for speed and taken the quickest interstate route, all towns and exits are predictably alike.

Exit # Whatever . . . Gas Station, Fast Food, Wal-Mart.

Drive.
Exit.
Repeat.

There you go, just smoosh them all together 

into one giant uniform establishment. 

And don't forget, the gas station is right outside the door.

Other cities have passed ordinances requiring chain stores to meet certain building design requirements.  Maybe it's time we enact a similar plan.  Fairhope does have some control over certain aspects of building design, but not enough to really make much difference out of the downtown area. Supposedly, the Fairhope Walmart claimed it was going to be unique to our area.  Hmmmm.  Let me ponder that one.

It is possible, you know, to retain local flavor and characteristics if you try.  Allow me to present . . .

The McDonalds in Hyde Park, NY.  Creative, beautiful solutions are possible.
You can read a story about this McDonald's here. 

And why yes,  thank you.  I'll have fries with that!