# Solar-Powered Restaurants The McDonald's Restaurant at Disney World is First-of-its-Kind By Kalin Ned | Published 2021-02-27 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solarpowered-restaurant References: [qsrweb](https://www.qsrweb.com/news/mcdonalds-solar-powered-disney-world-store-a-lab-for-future/) As sustainability becomes a leading expectation for many dining establishments and retail complexes, the reality of solar-powered restaurants and stores is beginning to be built. In 2020, popular fast-food restaurant [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netzero-restaurant) opened a one-of-a-kind location at Disney World in Florida. The news for the environment is good because the QSR building will be able to "create enough renewable energy on-site to cover all of its energy needs on a net annual basis." The solar-powered restaurant will also serve as something like a "testing hub" for the company as McDonald's is planning to test various solutions for reducing energy and water use. Covering a total of 8,024-square-feet, the structure was designed by Chicago-based Ross Barney Architects. Image Credit: McDonald's ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.1/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sustainability-driven Dining:** Dining establishments are becoming more environmentally conscious by incorporating sustainable practices such as solar power. - **Renewable Energy for Retail:** Retail complexes are starting to integrate renewable energy sources such as solar power to fulfill their energy needs. - **Testing Green Technology:** Companies are using solar-powered restaurants and stores as testing hubs for reducing energy and water use while providing a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution to customers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fast Food:** Fast food chains are adopting sustainable practices to reduce their carbon footprint and meet the growing demand for environmentally-friendly options from consumers. - **Retail:** Retail complexes are incorporating sustainable energy solutions such as solar power to satisfy their energy needs while aligning with consumers' environmental values. - **Architecture:** Architecture firms are designing buildings that integrate renewable energy sources such as solar power to reduce energy consumption without compromising functionality and aesthetics. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Net-Zero Carbon Fast-Food Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/netzero-restaurant.md) - [Automated Functioning QSRs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-mcdonalds.md) - [Sustainable Forest-Themed Kids Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-happy-meals.md) - [EV Brand Diner Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tesla-diner.md) - [Nostalgia-Inspired Fast Food Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fast-food-concept.md) - [Nostalgic Charging Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-tesla-diner.md) - [Net-Positive Energy Botanical Gardens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marie-selby-botanical-gardens.md) - [Solar-Powered Vineyard Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vineyard-building.md) - [Futuristic Tech-Led Diners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/futuristic-diner.md)