The surge in fast food’s popularity can be attributed to its widespread availability, diverse menu options, effective services, and expansive customer outreach. However, the significance of location cannot be overstated when it comes to attracting customers and ensuring business success. As reported by IBISWorld, the fast food restaurant business has seen substantial growth, totaling 542,006 locations globally by 2023.
While many fast food franchises maintain a uniform look and feel across their numerous outlets worldwide, some establishments choose to stand out with unique architectural designs. The choice of location, especially places that are easily accessible and competitive-free, is crucial for maximizing foot traffic. Yet, for certain fast food restaurants, employing visually appealing and unconventional designs plays a pivotal role in their overall success.
From dining inside a vintage aircraft to savoring Kentucky Fried Chicken in a former railway station, and enjoying Starbucks coffee in a replica of a historic mosque, let’s explore ten remarkable fast food buildings that defy the ordinary.
Ten Unique Fast Food Restaurant Designs Worldwide
1. McDonald’s Inside a Retired Aircraft – Taupo, New Zealand
McDonald’s in Taupo is celebrated as one of the world’s most extraordinary fast food outlets, creatively situated within a decommissioned DC-3 aircraft. Known for its innovative design, this restaurant offers a dining experience inside the plane, which originally functioned as a passenger carrier and crop duster before joining the franchise in 1990.
2. Starbucks with Persian Architectural Elegance – Dubai, UAE
This Starbucks location in the Ibn Battuta Mall features breathtaking Persian architectural elements and is modeled after the historic Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque. Patrons can enjoy stunning views of the intricately designed dome ceiling while sipping on their favorite beverages in this culturally rich environment.
3. KFC with a Soviet History Mural – Minsk, Belarus
Positioned under a striking Soviet-era mural, this KFC marks the brand’s debut in Belarus. Opened in 2015, the restaurant proudly features a sculpture titled “Solidarity,” designed in the Socialist Realist style by artist Anatol Yafimovich Arcimovich, juxtaposing the familiar fast food environment with a nod to significant historical context.
4. Starbucks Reserve Roastery Experience – Tokyo, Japan
Opened in 2019, the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Tokyo stands as Japan’s largest Starbucks, sprawling over 32,000 square feet. Located in Nakameguro, this four-story establishment invites guests to immerse themselves in the art of coffee making while enjoying various amenities, including a bakery, a tea room, and lounging areas.
5. McDonald’s Designed as a UFO – Roswell, New Mexico, USA
In the iconic town of Roswell, known for its alleged UFO incident in 1947, a McDonald’s designed to resemble a spaceship offers diners a whimsical experience. Opened in 2005, this unique restaurant features futuristic elements, including holographic lighting and will surely delight visitors intrigued by extraterrestrial lore.
6. KFC with a Bucket-Shaped Structure – Los Angeles, USA
Situated in the heart of Koreatown, this KFC location in Los Angeles features a design that mimics its famous chicken bucket. Opened in 1990 and crafted by designer Jeffrey Daniels, this two-story structure distinctly reflects the brand’s identity while standing out in the bustling cityscape.
7. Starbucks in a Traditional Machiya – Kyoto, Japan
Opened in 2017, this Starbucks captures the essence of Kyoto’s historical architecture. Located in a traditional wooden machiya townhouse, the café offers a serene atmosphere with tatami seating and a picturesque Japanese garden, allowing visitors to experience a perfect blend of coffee culture and heritage.
8. KFC within a Historic Railway Station – Baku, Azerbaijan
The largest KFC in the world operates from Baku’s historic Sabunchu Station, a site with Moorish architectural influences. Opened in 2012, this unique dining location not only serves classic KFC fare but also highlights its significant role within the Soviet Union’s first electrified railway system.
9. Burger King Linked to a Rooftop Roller Coaster – Niagara Falls, Canada
Located in Clifton Hill near Niagara Falls, this Burger King restaurant offers an exciting amusement experience with a rooftop roller coaster. Known as the Burger King Roller Coaster, it attracts tourists and thrill-seekers alike, making it a popular dining spot.
10. KFC at Checkpoint Charlie – Berlin, Germany
This KFC location, established in 2016, holds historical significance as it sits adjacent to the renowned Checkpoint Charlie museum. Representing a pivotal crossing point during the Cold War, this fast food restaurant offers patrons a taste of fried chicken within a site steeped in history.