Driving through Sedona, Arizona, it doesn’t take long to notice that this desert city is unlike most places in the United States. Surrounded by towering red rock formations and famous for its breathtaking scenery, Sedona has long protected its natural beauty through strict building regulations. Among the stunning landscapes sits an unexpected sight that surprises countless visitors—a McDonald’s with bright turquoise arches instead of the world-famous golden ones. At first glance, many people assume the unusual color is part of a special advertising campaign, but the real story is far more interesting.

For decades, the golden arches have been one of the most recognizable corporate symbols in the world, appearing in cities and towns across the globe. Yet in Sedona, the familiar yellow “M” was considered too bold against the area’s unique desert landscape. When McDonald’s planned to build a restaurant there, local officials insisted that something had to change before construction could move forward. Their decision would create one of the most unusual McDonald’s locations anywhere in the world.