Scenic Port Hardy To Welcome First McDonald’s Outlet … But With No Golden Arches

Last month, residents of the small, nature-led district of Port Hardy, located at the tip of British Columbia, Canada, were sent abuzz when an application was confirmed to have been submitted for a McDonald’s restaurant to take over the old Shell gas station.

Now, according to Chek News, it’s been announced that the first-ever outlet from the fast-food chain will be opening north of the Campbell River—but without one of its most recognizable signs: the golden arches.

Turns out, even though the district’s councilors voted unanimously to approve the construction of the restaurant on Granville Street, it was decided that the building, complete with a drive-thru, would “blend right into the neighborhood.”

This means that instead of the brightly-colored yellow signages, materials used for the building will involve warm colors to offer a “cleaner, more modern look” in keeping with the location, so it will not stand out against other structures close by.

And yes, the brand’s signature golden arches will not be seen from the street, as the updated design plan has omitted the chain’s street-side signage, with the board suggesting that such an advertising logo was “not necessary” in Port Hardy.

Port Hardy Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Ross Blackwell acknowledged it was a departure from McDonald’s usual playbook to agree to the terms of the project, and that he appreciated the efforts the brand took to fit the special site.

Residents can look forward to chowing down on a Big Mac come this fall.

[via Chek News and North Island Gazette, cover image via Tamara Bauer | Dreamstime.com and Wirestock | Dreamstime.com]