Why One McDonald’s Has Turquoise Arches
1. A Town That Said No to Yellow
In Sedona, a place defined by red rock scenery and strong local pride,
city officials told McDonald’s to “change your colors, or don’t build at al…”
The familiar golden arches clashed with the town’s strict commitment to preserving its landscape.
2. The Conflict
When McDonald’s arrived in 1993, Sedona argued that bright yellow would be
“too harsh, too loud, too out of place” against the desert backdrop.
Building codes served as guardians of the town’s natural views, not mere regulations.
3. The Compromise
Rather than leave, McDonald’s accepted an unprecedented change:
turquoise arches. The softer color blended with
“desert skies and weathered stone,” reducing visual disruption.
4. A New Icon
The unusual arches soon became a local landmark.
Tourists visited not just for food but for photos,
turning the Sedona McDonald’s into proof that even global brands can adapt—
and become memorable for it.
