Only in SoCal: The Country's First Feng Shui McDonald's

We're not quick to cover the chain restaurant scene, but how could we not. Hoping to keep eaters in McDonald's long after they've finished their Quarter Pounder, the company is redesigning hundreds of restaurants to encourage customers to hang around like they do at Starbucks. We're so lucky: The first McDonald's in the nation to get feng-shui-ed is in Hacienda Heights—off the 60 towards Diamond Bar—where "earth tones and exotic fauna" will replace the former Hi-C red and electric yellow palate. There will also be a McCafe, an upscale coffee bar, and exterior water elements symbolizing "life and relaxation." What's next, a Wendy's yoga room?

Nation's First Feng Shui Inspired McDonald's Restaurant Opens its Doors in Hacienda Heights

HACIENDA HEIGHTS, Calif., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- A local McDonald's restaurant recently unveiled a one-of-a-kind Feng Shui-inspired design, the nation's first. The restaurant, located at 15628 Gale Avenue, blends classic architecture with modern Feng Shui aspects including water elements, earth tones, red accents and exotic fauna. The recently renovated restaurant also features San Gabriel Valley's first McCafe, a coffee bar adjacent to the front counter.

Feng Shui is the practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment. The five elements of fire, earth, wood, water and metal play an important role in the practice of Feng Shui in that the placement of these elements effects how energy is manifested.

The restaurant combines elements of water located on the exterior of the dining area, symbolizing life and relaxation, with elements of fire and red accents throughout the dining area to symbolize good luck, laughter and light. The dining area also features symmetrically balanced seating arrangements in earth tone shades, pendant lights to warm up the interior, an elevated PlayPlace and three plasma televisions. The unique design was created using the expertise of Feng Shui Grand Master, Dr. Chi-Jean Liu and noted Long Beach design firm, JBI Industries, Inc.

"We chose a Feng Shui design that creates a soothing environment for our customers to better enjoy their dining experience," said Mark Brownstein, McDonald's owner/operator. "We are pleased to bring this unique experience to our customers in a one-of-a-kind Feng Shui decor while serving our quality meals."

The recently renovated McDonald's also features McCafe, serving coffee made from McDonald's Premium Roast Coffee. The coffee bar adjacent to the front counter serves cappuccinos, lattes and mochas.

In addition to consulting for corporate clients, Dr. Liu has received various national and international awards. He has also been featured in several local television and print media including KNBC's "Good Day LA," Los Angeles Times, Pasadena Star News and Orange County Register.

For four decades, JBI Industries, Inc. has been the leader in quick service restaurant design and interiors. JBI Industries, Inc designs and constructs restaurant interiors that create exciting dining experiences and drive sales that set the benchmarks for the food service industry.

Mark Brownstein, along with his business partners Peter Horner and Bryan Carmack own 23 McDonald's restaurants in Southern California and are part of the McDonald's Operators' Association of Southern California which is comprised of more than 600 franchised and company-owned McDonald's restaurants in the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura.