In Sedona, Arizona, stands a McDonald’s unlike any other in the world. Instead of the iconic golden arches, this restaurant proudly features turquoise arches — a unique landmark born from a community’s effort to preserve its natural beauty.
A city of red rocks
Sedona is world-renowned for its breathtaking red rock formations, which shift in color throughout the day — glowing fiery red in the morning and soft pink at sunset. To protect this striking landscape, the city enforces strict design rules so that new buildings blend into, rather than disrupt, the natural harmony.
The challenge for McDonald’s
When McDonald’s sought to open a location in Sedona in 1993, it encountered an unusual obstacle. City officials worried that the brand’s bright yellow arches would clash with the desert scenery and spoil the serene views. Their request was firm: the arches could not be yellow.
A turquoise solution
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