McDonald's

McDonald's new Fan Store within its Chicago headquarters is a unique internal retail environment, catering to employees, and visitors from international markets. Situated between Speedee Labs and Hamburger University—dedicated research and training environments for McDonald’s corporate staff— the store connects the company’s legacy of innovation with a playful, modern retail experience.

The project was completed as part of a broader campus initiative to enhance employee and visitor engagement. Intended to provide a physical space where all facets of the brand intersect, the Fan Store emanates joy while allowing customers to extend their experience through merchandise that deepens their connection to the McDonald’s brand.

The sense of anticipation and delight associated with one of McDonald’s most recognizable icons, the to-go bag, inspired the Fan Store concept. The design team explored how this familiar object could be translated into an architectural experience, effectively allowing visitors to step inside and walk away with brand keepsakes. The goal was to evoke nostalgia and happiness while maintaining the corporate headquarters’ level of sophistication.

The interior architecture draws directly from familiar features associated with McDonald’s packaging and dining rituals. Walls and millwork emulate the warm tone and texture of kraft paper, while red and gold details subtly infuse the space with the brand’s visual aesthetic.

Every element from signage to lighting is designed to elicit the sense of discovery experienced when opening a to-go bag and seeing what’s inside. The design strikes a balance between playfulness and professionalism, celebrating McDonald’s well-known straws, cups, clamshells, and trays, to create an environment both whimsical and refined.

The store is intentionally arranged with open circulation and clear sightlines, ensuring an intuitive flow through curated merchandise displays. At the entrance, a large, illuminated McDonald’s logo floats at the center of the full-height glass storefront. Warm tones, soft lighting, and a distinctive red band marking the perimeter establish a welcoming threshold that connects the retail environment to the surrounding office architecture.

The flexible design allows for changing product displays and seasonal rotations. Central counters are the main touchpoints for transactions, each wrapped in red and gold fluting referencing the striped pattern on McDonald’s drinking straws. Above the counters, oversized pendant lighting shaped like cups hang in varying sizes — small, medium, and large — similar to McDonald’s beverage options.

Photography by ©Garrett Rowland