[snowrip]

And, with that, one of the last bastions of contemporary society begins its slow slide into the tranquilization of political correctness. A kinder, gentler MacD's.... How long until they have a Surf and Turf special and a wine list?

Personally, I DO NOT want to hang out at MacDonalds. I WANT a color scheme designed to subliminally stimulate movement and uneasiness, and I want the hard plastic booths to be angled in such a way that they restrict blood flow in my legs... because that is what MacD's is, fast food.

[MineralMan]

It doesn't matter. All restaurants will eventually be Taco Bell, anyhow. I saw it in a movie.

[jaydubya2]

Didn't Mc D's just dump It's partnership with Disney or visa versa?

[John Geyer]

It won't change all that much, you'll just end up with a part of McDonalds that resembles Starbucks...but with better prices.

[stainlessbanner]

They are gambling on Wi-Fi access, too. The comparisons to Starbucks might be a little misleading though - their clientele is different (you don't see playgrounds at Starbucks).

[detsaoT]

NEW COLORS What will the new McDonald's look like? "Think iPod: clean lines, simplicity," says Miologos. The signature mansard roof? History. "The big red roof looks too dated today," says John Bricker, creative director at design firm Gensler's brand-strategy arm, Studio 585. It's being replaced by a flat roof topped by a newly designed, contemporary, golden sloping curve. Ronald McDonald appears safe: The mascot was given a leaner, sportier look just last year. And the iconic twin golden arches will still play a big role in the branding.

I absolutely cannot wait for this generation of architects to die off. They spend so much time copying each other's trendiness that every single building looks the same, and looks as if it was designed by a blind rodent.

Bring back the classics, please. Please?

[discostu]

I'm not sure I buy into these complaints by the franchise holders. McD's franchise rules say either the front (customer area) or the back (order taking/ prep area) needs to be remodeled every 5 years. That encourages the adopting of new equipment and regular remodeling prevents wear and tear that makes places look old and dirty. Anybody that did a remodel 4 years ago knows they're do for another one soon anyway.

[Flyer]

New Coke

[stuck_in_new_orleans]

fix the nasty food and the ugly people serving the food FIRST

[DocRock]

Bookmark to read later...

[pollyannaish]

This is along time coming. I believe they need to do this or MickyD's will be a thing of the past very soon. People want ambiance...even when they are buying fast food.

I am not entirely sure of why this is considered PC in your mind...but ok.

[Aquinasfan]

Every move listed here sounds like a winner.

[Semper Paratus]

This will fail as bad of the McLobster Roll.

[mombonn]

Bill Knapp's Restaurants here in MI tried to change their image, too.

They went out of business as a result.

McD's wont' likely suffer the same fate, but they won't succeed, either.

[BombHollywood]

The dining area will be separated into three sections with distinct personalities. The "linger" zone will offer "comfortable armchairs, sofas, and Wi-Fi connections. "The focus is on young adults who want to socialize, hang out, and linger," says Dixon. Brand consultant Robert Passikoff, president of Brand Keys, a brand consulting firm, says that Starbucks has raised the bar: "A level has been set by Starbucks, which offers the experience of relaxed chairs and a clean environment where people feel comfortable hanging out even if it's just over a cup of coffee."

McStarBucks

[martin_fierro]

[RetiredArmy]

Dudden matter. I still do not eat at McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's or any fast food joint. Expense and terrible food ain't worth it.