Gary He, an author and die-hard fan of McDonald’s, has embarked on an incredible journey, exploring over 100 McDonald’s locations worldwide. His adventures, stretching across more than 55 countries and six continents, have allowed him to discover some truly unique dining experiences.
Since 2019, Gary has documented his visits to these emblematic fast-food spots. Reflecting on his travels, he remarked, “Like many, I turned to McDonald’s when abroad because of its reliability and comfort. However, a memorable iftar meal during Ramadan in 2018 sparked a thought: rather than the familiar taste of fries, it was fascinating to see how McDonald’s adapted its menu to thrive locally.”
His recent publication, McAtlas: A Global Guide to the Golden Arches, released on November 29, captures the essence of his experiences. Within its pages, Gary ranks five must-visit McDonald’s locations that stand out for their remarkable characteristics and local adaptations.
The McSki in Sälen, Sweden
After a lengthy six-hour journey, Gary discovered the unconventional McSki in Sälen, Sweden. He describes it as “hands-down the coolest McDonald’s I’ve visited.” Surrounded by stunning mountainous scenery and with fresh, crisp air, the experience was solitary and peaceful. “It was just me, the McSki, and the mountains, and I cherished every moment,” he added.
The McDonald’s on Dongmen Street in Shenzhen, China
Gary refers to the McDonald’s on Dongmen Street in Shenzhen as “pretty epic.” Opened in 1990, it served over 40,000 customers on its first day and boasts a seating capacity of 460. “This was the inaugural McDonald’s in China, launched during a time when the country was not fully open to American businesses,” Gary explained.
The Airplane McDonald’s in Taupō, New Zealand
In Taupō, New Zealand, Gary found yet another extraordinary location: an old airplane converted into a McDonald’s. Acquired by the company in 1990, this unique spot was previously a passenger aircraft and even served as a crop duster. “The airplane location in Taupo is iconic,” he noted, emphasizing its significance within the McDonald’s brand.
The UFO-shaped McDonald’s in New Mexico, USA
Not only was Gary captivated by the UFO-shaped design of this McDonald’s in New Mexico, but he also found the accompanying gift shop intriguing. “It has a gift shop stocked with cool merchandise, which adds to the experience,” he shared, highlighting how this location offers more than just fast food.
The Méqui1000 in Sao Paulo, Brazil
In São Paulo, the Méqui1000 is a vibrant spot that often features new artwork, bringing an ever-changing atmosphere to its patrons. Gary was clearly impressed during his visit, commenting, “It looks like the White House but decorated by a kindergartner.” The unique aesthetic of this location makes it a standout destination.
To read more about Gary’s fascinating journey and his unique experiences across these unusual McDonald’s locations, visit the source.
Leave a Reply