# French-Inspired Fast Food Cafes McDonald's Concept Cafe in NYC Boasts an Upscale Parisian Vibe By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-02-22 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/concept-cafe References: [nydailynews](http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/eats/mcdonald-french-makeover-croissants-chocolatines-article-1.2968300) & [brandeating](http://www.brandeating.com/2017/02/new-french-designed-mcdonalds-restaurant-in-nyc-serves-croissants-and-chocolatines.html) Alongside being able to order a classic Big Mac and fries at the new [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-kissa-mac) concept cafe in NYC, patrons will also be able to enjoy a variety of delicate pastries like croissants and chocolatines. The new [McCafé](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pokestops) location boasts a distinctly French-inspired atmosphere that was created with the expert eye of French designer Patrick Norguet. This new concept cafe is the first of its kind in the United States, boasting a minimalist, open-concept space that favors communal seating and large cases to showcase fresh pastries. From the inside out, McDonald's McCafe brand has been reinvented. This is true right down to the iconic golden arches, which appear only on the front of the silver building as a subtle yellow letter "M." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **French-inspired Fast Food:** McDonald's concept cafe in NYC showcases a French-inspired atmosphere and menu, creating opportunities for other fast food chains to incorporate international flavors into their offerings. - **Upscale Fast Casual:** The minimalist, open-concept space and emphasis on fresh pastries at the McDonald's concept cafe demonstrates a potential for fast food restaurants to elevate their dining experience and cater to a more discerning, health-conscious customer base. - **Communal Seating and Showcasing:** The communal seating and large cases to showcase fresh pastries at the McCafe location highlights an opportunity for coffee shops and bakeries to create a social, interactive environment for customers while displaying their products in an appealing way. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fast Food Chains:** Fast food chains can capitalize on the French-inspired trend by introducing international menu items and creating unique dining experiences. - **Fast Casual Restaurants:** Fast casual restaurants have the opportunity to tap into the upscale market by focusing on fresh, quality ingredients and creating minimalist, inviting spaces. - **Coffee Shops and Bakeries:** Coffee shops and bakeries can reimagine their spaces by incorporating communal seating and large displays to showcase their baked goods, fostering a social, engaging environment for customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Modern French-Inspired Café Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caf-concept.md) - [Nostalgic QSR Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-kissa-mac.md) - [Juicy Retro-Inspired Burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-1955-burger.md) - [Macaron-Topped Blended Beverages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-japan-frappe.md) - [Olympics-Inspired QSR Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-france-global-menu.md) - [QSR Food-Inspired Door Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-france-1.md) - [Promotional France-Only QSR Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-france-mcbaguette.md) - [Refined QSR Cold Brews](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-mccaf-cold-brew.md) - [Digital-Only Drive-Through Lanes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-in-forth-worth.md)