McDonalds Opens Futuristic New Flagship Restaurant in Chicago

Quick-service restaurant franchise giant McDonald’s opened the doors to its new flagship restaurant in Chicago on Thursday, and a lot is different. Business Insider provided a photo tour of the drastic changes in structure and design of the colossal 19,000-square-foot building, which includes an all-glass exterior that resembles an Apple store, dozens of trees and solar panels. Inside, the brand has taken noticeable steps toward its “Experience of the Future” overhaul with the addition of self-order kiosks, table service, mobile order and pay, and delivery.

Designed by Chicago-based architecture firm Ross Barney Architects, the location sadly isn’t indicative of what all future McDonald’s will look like. However, the technology incorporated into the new flagship lays the foundation for what the brand is looking to incorporate across all franchise units.

"We are proud to open the doors to this flagship restaurant, which symbolizes how we are building a better McDonald's for our customers and the communities where they live," McDonald's President and CEO Steve Easterbrook said.