Kroc ‘n’ Roll

McDonald’s Corp. (Oak Brook, Ill.) has introduced a new restaurant design for the company’s Chicago flagship site on North Clark Street. The completion of the new concept will coincide with the company’s 50th anniversary celebration. Founder Ray Kroc opened his first restaurant in Des Plaines, Ill., in April 1955.

The fast-food restaurateur says the new restaurant “will meld the past with the future by incorporating Ray’s ‘red and white’ design of his first McDonald’s while offering customers a contemporary restaurant with Wi-Fi and other innovative features.”

This destination will replace the “Rock ‘n’ Roll McDonald’s,” which is the company’s third-busiest in the United States (and 12th-busiest in the world). Highlighted by two 60-ft.-tall Golden Arches, the flagship site will serve twice as many customers in the drive-through, thanks to a new double- lane drive-through feature. Seating capacity will also double, from about 150 seats today to more than 300.

“This restaurant concept was the vision of our company’s late chairman and ceo, Jim Cantalupo. It was very important to Jim, and our entire management team is committed to making his grand vision a reality,” said McDonald’s current ceo Charlie Bell. “This exciting flagship restaurant will delight millions of McDonald’s customers every year from all over the world.”

Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley also pointed out that “McDonald’s is participating in the city’s Green Roof initiative by integrating rooftop greenery into the design.” Developed by McDonald’s in-house Restaurant Design Group, the new restaurant will complement Chicago’s skyline and feature landscaping to enhance the site. The perimeter will be lined with trees and offer a garden view for second floor visitors, as well as a visually appealing “green roof” for the River North neighborhood. The interior will feature interactive technology elements currently in development.