While the term "McDonaldization" is often used to refer to the spread of cultural homogeneousness, there's actually a surprising amount of architectural diversity among the 41,000-plus global fast-food restaurants. In Roswell, New Mexico, the McDonald's resembles, fittingly, a downed UFO. In Subotica, Serbia, you can have your Big Mac in a 1912 Art Nouveau gem. And in Taupō, those famous fries are served aboard a decommissioned DC-3.
In 1977, McDonald's opened one of its first German branches in Freiburg right in the historic city gate. When the restaurant underwent a renovation in 2008, the city council demanded that the franchise tone down its decor to match the surrounding 13th-century architecture. Although they initially demanded there be no signage at the gate at all, they ultimately relented as long as the restaurant ditched its iconic Golden Arches.
Nowadays, the restaurant is a moderately popular tourist stop due to its unique lack of yellow signage. In addition to the usual McNuggets, you'll find a few local specials here, including a "Big Rösti" burger with crispy potatoes and German beef.
Post a Comment