There’s a McDonald’s venue that might just be the world’s poshest – and it’s nothing like your typical outlet.
McDonald’s, the fast food giant instantly recognised by its iconic golden arches, has one particular location that offers customers a unique experience due to its lavish interior and charming setting.
Situated in the picturesque waterfront town of Freeport, Maine, USA, this McDonald’s is nestled inside a Victorian-style mansion built in 1850. The building allows the restaurant to blend seamlessly with the rest of the quaint, beautiful homes in the scenic town.
The mansion, known as Gore House, is painted grey with white trimmings and details, and is surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens. Park benches adorned with subtle ‘M’ logos on the backrests confirm that this stunning building is indeed a McDonald’s.
Inside, the meticulous attention to detail continues with mahogany booths, carved wooden chairs, and even fireplaces. Naturally, there are many features you’d expect from a standard McDonald’s, such as illuminated menus behind the counter and touchscreen self-service kiosks.
The building became a McDonald’s in 1984 and has since turned into somewhat of a tourist attraction, with people eager to sample a more luxurious fast food experience. It even serves lobster rolls for an added twist on the usual menu.
A TikTok user named Frank Owen showcased the stunning interior of a fast-food restaurant, leaving viewers in awe.
One admirer commented: “I live in Maine! I’ve been here a lot. It’s beautiful inside.” Frank concurred, saying: “It’s such a cool location. And the town is beautiful! “.
Another user expressed their desire to visit, writing: “Omg I’m going here.” To which, Frank replied: “You should!”
Despite the global ubiquity of McDonald’s, with more than 40,000 restaurants worldwide, the sophisticated Freeport outlet has even earned recognition from the corporation itself. On the company’s webpage, it claimed the top spot in a list of the ’13 most iconic McDonald’s across America’.
Praising the establishment, often dubbed the ‘McMansion’, the fast-food giant wrote: “Built in 1850, the spectacular Gore House was converted into Freeport, Maine’s only McDonald’s in 1984. Love seafood? Add a lobster roll to your order here. Yes, really!”
The venue boasts the classic McDonald’s menu items but occasionally surprises with more lavish options. Its summer lobster rolls are a major draw, attracting both tourists and locals who want to compare it to local seafood delicacies from area restaurants.
The Freeport McDonald’s has welcomed some modern touches, like a drive-thru which was added in 2000, but its initial arrival in the community decades ago was initially met with trepidation.
The decision to transform Gore House into a McDonald’s in the 80s captured attention, making headlines across the US. The New York Times covered the contentious transformation, which worried some Freeport residents who feared the fast-food outlet would mar their idyllic surroundings.
At the time, a spokesperson for McDonald’s assured the publication: “What we are doing there is something we probably have never done before in terms of design and the amount of time and effort involved. We are willing to spend the money to make it compatible with the area, the history, the community and the people who live there.”