Fast food restaurants are known for their consistency. You can find the same menu and interior design replicated worldwide. However, some fast food chains have broken the mold with unique and interesting building designs. Here are 10 fast food chain restaurants with truly one-of-a-kind architecture.
Train Station KFC, Azerbaijan
The largest KFC in the world is located in Baku, Azerbaijan, inside a renovated train station. The Sabunchu train station, originally built in 1926, was restored by KFC for over $3.2 million. The massive building spans 17,222 square feet and features two impressive domed towers.
In 2012, KFC celebrated the grand opening with a light show, projecting Colonel Sanders and images of chicken buckets onto the building.
Taco Bell Defy, Minnesota, U.S.A.
Taco Bell Defy in Minnesota aims to revolutionize the drive-thru experience. This two-story building has four drive-thru lanes and an elevated kitchen. Food is delivered using a vertical lift system. Three lanes are dedicated to mobile app orders, promising a two-minute or less drive-thru experience. The fourth lane is a traditional kiosk.
Flying Saucer McDonald’s, New Mexico, U.S.A.
In Roswell, New Mexico, McDonald’s embraces the town’s UFO lore with a flying saucer-shaped restaurant. The exterior resembles a spaceship, complete with red lights and alien statues. Even McDonald’s characters are dressed in spacesuits, making it a truly unique dining experience.
Artistic Glass McDonald’s, Georgia
Located in Batumi, Georgia, this McDonald’s looks more like a high-end restaurant. Designed by architect Giorgi Khmaladze, the sleek glass dome stands out with its modern design. The interior features a sloping green garden that blooms in the spring, concealing a gas station below. This McDonald’s won ArchDaily’s award for best commercial building in 2014.
Truett’s Luau Chick-fil-A, Georgia, U.S.A.
Truett’s Luau in Fayetteville, Georgia, brings the spirit of Hawaii to Chick-fil-A. Named after the chain’s founder, S. Truett Cathy, this location is decorated with ukuleles, tropical plants, and a waterfall. The menu features Hawaiian-inspired dishes like mahi-mahi, fish tacos, and a kalua BBQ pork sandwich, along with tropical drinks such as the Frosted Pineapple.
Shipping Container Starbucks, Taiwan
The Starbucks at Hualien Bay Mall in Taiwan is made from 29 artistically stacked shipping containers. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the two-story structure covers 3,444 square feet. The design focuses on sustainability, using large windows and skylights for natural light.
Sauna Burger King, Finland
In Helsinki, Finland, you can enjoy a Burger King with a sauna. The in-restaurant sauna can accommodate 15 people and includes a shower, locker room, and media lounge. While the idea of sweating over a Whopper might seem odd, saunas are a significant part of Finnish culture. This unique concept won Euromonitor’s award for New Concepts in Food Service.
Traditional Machiya Starbucks, Japan
Located in Kyoto, Japan, this Starbucks is housed in a 100-year-old renovated machiya, a traditional wooden townhouse. The store blends seamlessly with the historic Higashiyama district. Inside, you’ll find a Japanese garden, Tatami mats, and silk cushions. The only indication it’s a Starbucks is the siren logo on the teal door curtains.
Airplane McDonald’s, New Zealand
In Taupo, New Zealand, McDonald’s customers can dine inside a decommissioned Douglas DC-3 airplane. The plane, originally used for advertising, was purchased by McDonald’s in 1990 and turned into a dining area. It seats 20 people and features an untouched cockpit that can be viewed through a glass door.
One World Trade Center Subway, New York, U.S.A.
During the construction of the One World Trade Center in New York, a Subway shop was installed in a cargo container that could be raised as the building grew taller. This exclusive Subway, costing $500,000 to build, served the ironworkers. Though it eventually closed due to space constraints, it remains a unique piece of construction history.
These unique fast food chain restaurants demonstrate how creative design can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. Each location offers not just a meal, but a memorable experience.
What do you think about these unique fast food restaurant designs? Leave your comment below!
