With its slate floors and subdued lighting, Arne Jacobsen-inspired egg-chairs and printed wall panels by French architect Philippe Avanzi, a certain lunch spot in Manhattan’s uber-hip Chelsea district fits right in with the nearby boutiques and art galleries. Less predictable is the place’s name: McDonald’s.
Late last year, the franchisee Paul Hendel became the first operator in the Golden Arches’ 14,000-unit system to adopt the “urban redesign†aesthetic—one that the burger chain had earlier used to update its locations throughout the E.U. At roughly the same time, archrival Burger King an-nounced plans to make over its 12,000 American units with an industrial look featuring corrugated metal and brick walls—all in the name of décor. Menus, prices and clientele will largely remain the same. The upshot? Expect fast-food interiors to change. More.