One McDonald's in the Netherlands has managed to undergo what the chain as a whole hopes to do: A positive transformation. According to Business Insider, the McDonald's outpost in Rotterdam was named the "ugliest building" in the city by local residents. Dezeen writes that officials were considering tearing it down because it was so McHard on the eyes but the chain still had 40 years on the lease. An image of the old space:
McDonald's then hired Dutch firm Mei Architects to redesign the store. The company essentially transformed the restaurant into what "looks like an Apple Store" for fries and fatty food. Dezeen notes the restaurant now features a "perforated golden facade and staircase." Inside, the store is full of clean lines and patrons can sit atop leather couches what look like Eames molded plywood chairs. There's even a statement wall on the outside of the store that features pixelated images of people that extends to the interior as well. The McDonald's has a "fully transparent lobby, with entrances on three sides" that makes it seem as though "public space flows through the building."
Perhaps redesigning locations stateside would make the chain more appealing to customers. Currently McDonald's is facing months of slumping sales and is desperately trying to fix its reputation. The chain's CEO Steve Easterbrook unveiled a major restructuring plan last month that focuses less on millennials and more on the quality of its food. Check out images of the Rotterdam restaurant below: