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If you’re someone who grew up in a time when fast food restaurants held a special place in your heart, a visit to McDonald’s was likely a cause for celebration. And if you were lucky enough to go to one of the locations with a play area, you probably have fond memories of climbing, sliding, and playing in the big colorful tubes with other kids, even though you may have shared a few germs along the way. These playgrounds were a common feature at McDonald’s restaurants starting in the 1970s.
Initially, the playgrounds were based on an exhibit at the Illinois State Fair that showcased McDonald’s branded characters like the Hamburger and Mayor Mc Cheese, as reported by Reader’s Digest. However, over time, changes were made to the playgrounds due to safety concerns. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission discovered that McDonald’s had not reported many injuries that occurred on the playground, which led to the implementation of safety measures.
In the past, McDonald’s transitioned to indoor padded playgrounds; however, in recent years, these features have largely disappeared from their locations. This is due to changes in the architecture of fast-food establishments, which have become less distinctive and more conventional. As a result, brand-specific architectural features such as playgrounds have been phased out for various reasons.
One reason for this is that real estate costs have risen, and maintaining playground equipment can be expensive. Additionally, playgrounds can pose safety hazards, which can impact a company’s profits. The pandemic has also influenced people’s attitudes towards communal spaces, including playgrounds.
Moreover, with children increasingly spending more time on their phones, some argue that playgrounds are no longer as appealing or necessary as they once were. This sentiment is shared by some of McDonald’s competitors.
Subway, the popular sandwich chain, has been making headlines lately for its potential sale to a new owner. However, the company is not letting that stop them from pushing forward with innovation. In fact, last week they announced a pilot project that will take the brand back to its roots. The new concept is called the Subway Oasis, and it will be rolled out at select locations across the United States.
The Subway Oasis is designed to be reminiscent of the time when fast food restaurants were easily recognizable by their exterior branding. The concept involves creating a distinctive, branded exterior at select restaurants that will feature fast charging EV canopies, WiFi, restrooms, picnic tables, and even playgrounds. Insiders report that the Subway Oasis locations will be perfect for families and travelers who need to charge their electric vehicles while taking a break from the road.
While the company has not yet set a firm date for the first Oasis to open, concept drawings of the new locations show that they will incorporate Subway’s signature green and yellow branding. The Subway Oasis is just one of the many ways that the brand is continuing to innovate and stay relevant in a competitive market. In recent years, Subway has experimented with plant-based proteins, new store designs, and even drive-thru locations. It seems that the brand is determined to remain a favorite among sandwich lovers for years to come.
Subway Oasis, is a throwback to the time when fast food restaurants were recognizable by their exterior branding. This new concept will feature fast charging EV canopies, WiFi, restrooms, picnic tables, and even playgrounds, and it will be launched as a pilot project at select US locations. While no official opening date has been set for the first Subway Oasis, it is clear that the brand is committed to staying relevant and innovative in the face of fierce competition. Fans of Subway can expect to see more exciting changes and updates from the company in the years to come.
In an ode to the era of recognizable fast food locations with unique roof shapes and towering neon signs, Subway is set to become one of the first companies to establish a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. This move offers a key advantage over McDonald’s playgrounds – revenue.
Subway is collaborating with two EV tech startups to establish these charging stations. According to reports, a 17-minute charge will cost approximately $20. Meanwhile, kids can entertain themselves by playing on the playground or their phones with parental permission, of course.
This concept may have lasting appeal, as it provides a practical solution for EV owners while also offering entertainment options for children.
What do you think about Subway’s decision to bring back play areas to their quick-service restaurants? Share your opinion in the comment section below.
