In terms of their McDonald's restaurant design, Europe is way ahead of us. Their McDonald's have fancy chairs, and flat-screen TVs, and only the chicest homeless people setting up residency in the bathrooms. Well now, finally, at least one American McDonald's has caught up.
From The AP:
A McDonald's in midtown Manhattan became the first in the U.S. this fall to undergo a sleek, European-style makeover similar to what McDonald's has done at thousands of outlets around in France and the United Kingdom.
The eatery is outfitted with outlets for plugging in laptops, upholstered vinyl chairs instead of Fiberglas seats bolted to the floor, subdued lighting and employees whose all-black uniforms suggest a hip boutique.
Oooh. All-black uniforms! It's almost as hip as Applebee's. Or even Supercuts. Which is probably really confusing for people.
"It's like a lounge," said Kimberly Burgess, one of many patrons who did a double take after entering the newly renovated restaurant in Manhattan's Chelsea section. "It's so different from all the other McDonald's. It's beautiful."
"What is this, Europe?" Ms. Burgess continued, her face a mix of bewilderment and panic. "Agh! What happened? All I did was walk through that door and, oh God! Where's the door?!? Where is New York City? Is this the future? All I wanted to do was get an Apple Pie…" Burgess sunk into a nearby apple green reproduction of a Danish chair, buried her head in her hands, and began to sob. After a few minutes, she wiped her eyes, lifted her head, and looked at the painting of a giant fingerprint just across from the mod table where she was sitting. She burst into tears. "What is that?" she cried out. There was no answer.