Not yellow, not golden: The reason why the arches at this McDonald’s are a different color

Anyone passing by the branch of McDonald’s in Sedona, Arizona, will notice something odd. The iconic M arches are not yellow but a turquoise hue due to strict local building codes and aesthetic guidelines designed to preserve the city’s unique natural beauty.

The city is famous for its stunning red rock formations and picturesque desert landscape and has ordinances in place to ensure that new construction, including commercial buildings, harmonizes with this environment and doesn’t detract from the scenic views.

When the fast food giant sought to open a location in Sedona in 1993, city officials determined that the iconic bright yellow of the traditional Golden Arches would clash too starkly with the natural red rocks and the general earthy, subdued aesthetic of the town.

As a compromise, McDonald’s agreed to use turquoise (or teal, depending on who you ask) for its arches. This color was chosen because it blends more harmoniously with the natural palette of the Southwestern landscape and the Pueblo-revival architectural style common in the area.

This unique color scheme has made the Sedona McDonald’s a minor tourist attraction itself, with many visitors stopping to take photos of the distinctive arches.

So, it’s a deliberate design choice enforced by local regulations to ensure the building “fits in” with the breathtaking natural surroundings rather than standing out with the brand’s standard vibrant yellow.

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