The answer is actually a fascinating story of local government, strict design laws, and corporate compromise.
The Location: Sedona, Arizona
There is only one place in the world where you can officially find these turquoise arches: Sedona, Arizona.
Known worldwide for its stunning natural beauty, Sedona is famous for its massive, vibrant red sandstone formations. When McDonald’s decided to build a location there in the early 1990s, they ran into a major roadblock: the local government’s incredibly strict aesthetic guidelines.
Why Isn’t It Yellow?
When Sedona was incorporated as a city in 1988, local officials were determined to preserve the town’s breathtaking natural landscape. They instituted rigorous building codes to prevent commercial businesses from ruining the view with garish, distracting neon colors.
