Nostalgic Farewell: Visiting One of the Last Remaining Retro McDonald's

McDonalds LogoPhoto byJurij KendaonUnsplash

In a recent video titled "Visiting One of the Last Remaining Retro McDonald's Before it Closes For Good," YouTuber Ray Out There takes viewers on a nostalgic journey to one of the few remaining retro McDonald's locations. Uploaded recently, the video has already garnered over 200,000 views, resonating with many who fondly remember the iconic fast-food design of their childhood.

The video begins with Ray reminiscing about the magical vibe McDonald's had in its earlier days. "Do you remember what it was like to go to McDonald's as a kid? How the place just sort of had this magical vibe to it?" Ray asks his viewers, setting a nostalgic tone. He laments the transition of McDonald's locations into "boring, depressing looking gray boxes."

As the video progresses, Ray explores the retro McDonald's, highlighting its unique features. The restaurant's green mansard roof, a slight deviation from the traditional red, is shown in detail, along with the iconic golden arches. "Look at the big golden arches on the window... this brings me back," Ray comments, visibly saddened by the impending closure.

Inside, Ray points out several elements that evoke a sense of nostalgia, such as old plastic booths, a vintage soda fountain, and an old hand wipe dispenser. He notes the presence of Ronald McDonald on a mirror, a character phased out from modern advertising, adding, "You don't see Ronald McDonald anymore because they actually based him out of all their modern advertising."

The video also provides a glimpse of the new McDonald's location being built nearby, which Ray describes as a "typical modern gray box style." He expresses his dissatisfaction with the new design, stating, "I think this just looks awful. It has like no character, nothing appealing about it."

Ray explains the reason behind the modern redesigns, citing McDonald's rebranding efforts in the late '90s and early 2000s to address backlash over marketing unhealthy food to kids. "They got rid of Ronald McDonald and that entire marketing campaign, redid all their restaurants to the gray box design... I think we really lost something interesting," he reflects.

Throughout the video, Ray shares images of other retro McDonald's locations he has visited, most of which have either closed or been renovated. His journey serves as a poignant reminder of the changes in the fast-food industry and the loss of unique, character-filled spaces.

Ray Out There concludes the video with a call to action for viewers who know of other remaining retro McDonald's locations. "If you happen to know where there is one, take the time to go check it out and maybe take some pictures, 'cause it's not going to be there much longer," he urges.

With over 200,000 views and counting, Ray's video has struck a chord with many who share his nostalgia for the McDonald's of the past. As the fast-food giant continues to modernize, videos like this serve as a cherished archive of a bygone era.