Standing at the corner of Clark and Ontario streets in Chicago's busy River North neighborhood, I kept hearing versions of the same thing: "Wait, this is a McDonald's?" Days after McDonald's new flagship restaurant opened, people walking by — myself included — couldn't believe this massive, glass-paneled building was serving Big Macs and McFlurries. Inside, it looks just as different.
McDonald's new location has a separate, standalone McCafé, primarily self-service ordering (there are several kiosks when you first walk in, but also a normal counter in the back if you want to talk to a human), and tableside service, like the kind you'd find at a Panera Bread — take a number, and an employee will bring your burger to you.
Along with way more seating than you're used to — this location is a massive 19,000 square feet — there are plenty of charging pads and places to relax inside the new restaurant. There's also a floating garden and tons of greenery, which McDonald's says is a nod to their commitment to sustainability. The building itself has an on-site renewable energy collection, plus interior and exterior LED lighting and an energy efficient kitchen.
Now open and operating 24/7, this fancy Mickey D's has the same food and drinks you're used to, but comes in a much prettier (glass) box.
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