Calif. McDonald's Tries Feng Shui Theme

[isilzha]

Calif. McDonald's Tries Feng Shui Theme
Sunday February 24, 2:16 pm ET
By Daisy Nguyen, Associated Press Writer Do You Want Fries With That Zen? California McDonald's Aims to Boost Sales With Feng Shui

HACIENDA HEIGHTS, Calif. (AP) -- The only familiar signs at the McDonald's in this large Asian community are the golden arches, the drive-through and the menu. Gone are the plastic furniture, Ronald McDonald and the red and yellow palette that has defined the world's largest hamburger chain. Leather seats, earth tones, bamboo plants and water trickling down glass panels have taken their place.
The makeover elements are meant to help diners achieve happiness and fortune -- whether they realize it or not.
That's because the restaurant was redesigned using the principles of feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of arranging objects and numbers to promote health, harmony and prosperity.
The concept is an unlikely fit with fast food. But the restaurant's owners say the designs are aimed at creating a soothing setting that will encourage diners to linger over their burgers and fries, and come back again.
The makeover is part of the attempt by McDonald's Corp. in recent years to remodel hundreds of its restaurants to attract more patrons with unique decor and amenities that might entice them stay awhile.
It also fits into McDonald's larger corporate practice of catering to local tastes, such as a fondue-style burger in France or a pita-wrapped "McArabia" sandwich in the Middle East. "We can't look too cookie cutter," Mark Brownstein, one of three owners of the restaurant, said about the new decor.

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[Food Network Fan]

They are really trying hard to reinvent themselves. I think they need to work on the food.

[Jon]

I think I read somewhere they put lighter fluid in their McNuggets. As an ingredient.

[PaulaFan777]

Feng Shui at McDonalds....hmmm

Goodbye Micky-D's in Cali!

[BerryBaby]

Some of the McDonald's around here are more upscale with plants, etc.
Sure aren't like the originals where you'd walk up to a window and place your order.

[isilzha]

I think they tore down the Rock and Roll McDonalds downtown and put up a two-story one.