People are just discovering the world’s only BLUE McDonald’s – and the surprising reason behind the unique look

ONE of the rarest McDonald’s in the world has ditched the iconic golden arches and gone blue for a very surprising reason.

McDonald’s has over 41,000 restaurants across the globe but one branch in Arizona has managed to stray from the traditional yellow and red branding for over three decades.

AlamyOne of the rarest McDonald’s in the world has ditched the iconic golden arches and turned them blue[/caption]

AlamyThe arches in Sedona, Arizona are an unusual teal colour for a surprising reason[/caption]

AlamyThe blue arches have quickly made the restaurant into a popular tourist attraction[/caption]

The quirky Sedona restaurants is located just off State Route 89A and welcomes in thousands of hungry visitors every day.

But many people are still left in disbelief when they spot the teal arches sitting proudly outside the restaurant.

McDonald’s decided to open up in the bustling city just a few years after it was incorporated into the state of Arizona – thrilling locals with the tasty addition.

The fast-food joint was first built over three decades ago in 1993 and originally planned to have the golden arches like every other branch.

But the Department of Community Development in Sedona was left with a bitter taste in their mouth due to the bright gold arches and asked to change things up.

The community had decided it didn’t want to see the shiny “M” towering over Route 89A and instead wanted it to fit into the surrounding area.

Sedona is known for its natural red rock landscape, steep canyons and pine trees and locals feared the yellow may detract from the beauty of the area.

Senior planner for the department, Cari Meyer, told ABC 15 back in 2022: “Someone suggested it would be interesting if they did something else than golden arches to fit in with the identity that the city decided to establish.”

McDonald’s agreed to switch the arches to a teal shade to avoid upsetting the locals – marking a rare brand change for McDonald’s.

Mr Meyer says the blue logo is still seen as one of Sedona’s biggest talking points for visitors and new residents.

Her added: “It’s definitely unique.

“When I first moved here, it’s what people brought up. ‘Oh, you are moving to Sedona? They have turquoise arches!’”

This popularity has made the colour change a key part of the branch’s brand still to this day.

Drinks were even served in teal cups with the burger boxes matching up to the sign out the front at one point.

Inside, it still remains a beloved McDonald’s with the classic fast food design and delicious menu.

The front of the restaurant has become a social media sensation in the past decades with weekly TikTok‘s and Instagram posts being made to showcase the teal look.

Only a few other McDonald’s locations have non-traditional coloured arches.

AlamyEven the restaurant’s drive-thru sign is teal[/caption]

AFPA McDonald’s Big Mac sat next to the traditional golden arches[/caption]

While the blue arches are a truly special switch-up for McDonald’s lovers, there are several other global restaurants with different colours.

McDonald’s in Sunset Boulevard, Rocklin, California has red arches instead of golden one.

Also in California, the Monterrey franchise can be seen from miles away with its black arches.

Across in Europe, one sits on the stunning Champs-Élysées in Paris is often cited as one of the world’s best looking McDonald’s with its neon white arches.

Similar white signs also light up a McDonald’s in Bruges, Belgium.

Another hugely popular McDonald’s sits in Nyugati Railway Station, Budapest and it is often named the world’s most beautiful fast food restaurant.

The station was designed by Austrian architect August de Serres, who later went on to help built the Eiffel Tower.

It opened back in 1990 and many of the original features still renain today including the antique lamps and painted stucco ceilings.

The vintage design has huge glass windows around the entire building, as well as copper-covered light fixtures.

Along with the more modern designs including touch screen kiosks, diners can even watch the food conveyor belt between the two levels of the kitchen a “unique” feature to the McDonald’s.

And it’s not the only cool McDonald’s in Europe.

One in Spain has been named the “most breathtaking,” being right on the beach.

As a Hamburg McDonald’s comes fit with a “drive-thru for boats” and has been named the coolest in the world.