In Sedona, Arizona, you’ll find something no other town has — a McDonald’s with turquoise arches instead of gold. When the fast-food giant wanted to open in the early ’90s, locals insisted on strict design rules to preserve the red rock landscape. Bright yellow clashed with the scenery, so the arches were redesigned in turquoise — a color tied to Native American culture and the spirit of the Southwest.
Since 1993, it’s been the only McDonald’s of its kind, drawing tourists who stop just to take photos. For Sedona residents, it’s a symbol of pride: proof that even the biggest corporations can adapt to protect a community’s character.
The turquoise arches aren’t just quirky—they’re a reminder that thoughtful compromise can honor both tradition and progress.