Why Do Some McDonald’s Have Turquoise Arches?

McDonald’s is known for its Golden Arches. The iconic arches are synonymous with crispy McNuggets, mouthwatering Big Macs, and soft and salty fries. But some McDonald’s locations have turquoise arches instead of the classic golden ones. There is actually a fascinating explanation behind this unique feature.

The Golden Arches

The Golden Arches are so iconic that you can almost smell the fast food burgers and nuggets when you see them. And in today’s world, marketing is everything. So, why would the fast food giant buck the trend at certain restaurant locations?

Started as a Practical Design

The arches started simply as a practical design. In the 1950s, architect Stanley Clark Meston was tasked with the job of building something that would entice drivers and make the restaurant stand out from the competition. Richard McDonald had a vision for the giant “M”.

Where Are The Turquoise Arches

The turquoise McDonald’s arches can only be found in one city: Sedona, Arizona. These unusual arches may look like a McDonald’s ripoff, but they are far from it. There is a very specific reason why this city has these blue-green arches as opposed to the typical golden ones.

The City of Sedona

Sedona is known for the stunning red rock and natural beauty. The city has strict codes for how and where buildings can be built so as not to impede on the natural beauty of the city. 

McDonald’s in Sedona

The McDonald’s in Sedona was built in 1933, and city officials were concerned that the bright yellow “M” of the arches would take away from the natural scenery and beautiful red rock.

So, Why Blue

So, why did the officials agree on the blue-green color? For one, the officials felt that it would blend in more naturally with the surrounding scenery. But also, turquoise matches the city’s natural aesthetic.

Turquoise In Sedona

Sedona has a long history of Native American influence and even today, many stores and shops are lined with turquoise jewelry, decor, and more. And the blue color more closely aligns with the color scheme of the natural red rock.

A Tourist Attraction

While not initially meant to be a tourist attraction, the unique arches of the Sedona McDonald’s have become a draw for travelers passing through Arizona. Outside of the unique color, McDonald’s is just like any other.

Conclusion

If you’re ever passing through Sedona and see the turquoise arches, you’re not just seeing things. This unique sign signifies the city’s dedication to its natural beauty, which is evident to anyone who travels there!