McDonalds Sedona

Sedona, Arizona is home to the only McDonald’s in the world with teal arches. Some would call them turquoise.  Most people ask why a traditional McDonald’s wouldn’t have the same look and style of the other thousands of McDonalds around the world. The answer may surprise you.

Why is Sedona McDonald’s Teal?

Back in 1993, McDonalds’s approached the city of Sedona to open a location in the newly built Safeway Shopping Center.  The plans included golden arches and the classic red and yellow colors. The city was excited to have a fast-food chain in town, but they weren’t excited about the colors.  Sedona officials had always kept a strict policy to keep new construction aesthetically pleasing to the town’s gorgeous red rocks.

The city wanted the new building to blend in with the red rock surroundings and southwest architecture. After several attempts, the golden arches were changed to a color that everyone could agree upon – teal (or some say it is turquoise). City planners rejected the traditional red and yellow color schemes and instead embraced the new southwest inspired design.

Where can I see the Sedona McDonald’s teal arches.

The building is located in the Safeway Shopping Center, at 2300 W. State Route 89A in West Sedona.  The shopping center is easily accessible.  Park anywhere in the parking lot and walk over to the sign.  As a result, you will find the distinctive teal arches on the signage near the entrance to the center as well as on the side of the building.

An Unlikely Tourist Attraction

Today, the Sedona McDonald’s is an unofficial roadside attraction.  While visitors come from around the world to admire the red rocks, many are surprised to see the teal arches.  Visitors regularly stop not only for the hamburgers, French fries and caramel frappes, but to take photos of the famous arches.

In Conclusion

The next time you are driving through West Sedona, keep your eyes peeled for the McDonald’s that is one of a kind. Stop by for the hamburgers then take some pictures.