The Real Reason Indiana McDonald’s Look So Depressing in 2025

Prices aren't the only thing Hoosiers miss about McDonald's of the past. It seems many folks have taken notice of the chain's newer standardized look, and they are definitely not fans.

Remember when you would go into McDonald's as a kid and there would be hamburger-shaped seats, characters on the walls, and a glass case full of the toys featured in the Happy Meal at the time? It seems those days are behind us, as the chain has taken its architectural design in a whole new direction. In an age of highly sought-after nostalgia, many are wondering what the chain hopes to accomplish by making these changes.

McDonald's Famous Red and Yellow Colors Disappearing

Over the last decade and a half, McDonald's has slowly been transitioning away from the bright yellow and red color combination we all know and love. For example, many McDonald's restaurants were once complete with a sloped red roof and white brackets meant to mimic French fries. Today, they are gray and largely flat, reflecting the chain's shift in design.

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Restaurant buildings haven't been the only victims, as the chain has also made changes to their packaging. In fact, in January of this year, the chain announced they would be discontinuing their striped red and yellow straws that have been around for decades. Playplaces have also disappeared, and once-colorful seating options have been swapped out for standard, colorless stools, chairs, and tables.

Why McDonald's Restaurants Now Look 'Boring'

As you may have noticed, McDonald's isn’t the only chain that has taken this new streamlined direction. Many other brands have followed suit, and there are a few reasons why. According to CNN, the rise of drive-thru and mobile ordering is one element that has altered modern fast-food design. With fewer people sitting down for full meals at fast-food restaurants, companies no longer need elaborate dining areas.

When it comes to the roof, the new fast-food designs apparently allow for a more efficient method to heat and cool than older structures. As far as the packaging goes, most of those changes can also be chalked up to increased sustainability efforts. All in all, it seems these restaurants are doing their best to stay operational in the 21st century, but dang it if I don't miss the way it used to look.