FFC On Location: New Look McDonald’s
This softer, more stylish McDonald’s aims for new standard.
A few weeks ago, the owners of a McDonald’s franchise in Maryland had a complete makeover done on their restaurant located in the city of Pikesville. Leading the way on the fast-food facelift was an interior design firm called Whitehead and Appel. The new “sophisticated” look includes a warmer, more contemporary style that focuses on natural textures and materials. Custom furniture, stone floors, limestone counters, limited edition art, extra-high ceilings, custom lighting, wi-fi and multiple flat screen televisions are among the many new features in this freshly decorated MickeyD’s. Franchise owners Bob and Barbara Houck have stated their store may be considered as a “model” for other McDonald’s restaurants nationwide in the future.
That got my attention, so I visited the store myself. I took several photos of the new design and details for FFC readers. You won’t be overloaded with flashy colors and cheap looking plastic decorations in this store. The sleek modern look is a welcome change from most McDonald’s. Overall it’s a stylish, modern and inviting environment that I’m sure people will respond to in a positive way. Even the bathrooms were nicely upgraded, and super clean. Now we’ll just have to wait and see if this new look really does create a chain reaction for this fast food icon. I hope you enjoy the photos.
That’s because this McDonald’s restaurant has been given a full-scale makeover, embracing the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, which is said to utilize the laws of both Heaven and Earth. The Ronald McDonald statue is gone, the plastic furniture is gone, and the bright yellow and red color scheme known to McDonald’s patrons the world over - is also gone. 
In their place are large bamboo plants, wood tables with silver coated metal chairs, leather seats in thickly padded circular booths, and warm earth-tone colors. Next time you stop by for a BigMac, you may want to skip the drive-thru and go inside to pick up your food with a free side-order of peace, harmony and good fortune. The remodel is part of a larger plan by McDonald’s, which intends on catering many of it’s restaurants to local residents and tastes.