Brandweek reports that with slate floors and subdued lighting, Arne Jacobsen-inspired egg-chairs and printed wall panels by French architect Philippe Avanzi, a certain lunch spot in Manhattan’s uber-hip Chelsea district fits right in with the nearby boutiques and art galleries. Less predictable is the place’s name: McDonald’s.

Late last year, the franchisee Paul Hendel became the first operator in the Golden Arches’ 14,000-unit system to adopt the “urban redesign” aesthetic—one that the burger chain had earlier used to update its locations throughout the E.U. At roughly the same time, archrival Burger King an-nounced plans to make over its 12,000 American units with an industrial look featuring corrugated metal and brick walls—all in the name of décor. Menus, prices and clientele will largely remain the same. The upshot? Expect fast-food interiors to change.

What’s going on here? Well, in large part, it’s because of Starbucks—or at least the effect that Starbucks and other so-called “fast-casual” restaurant chains have had on the QSR segment. Roughly translated, it boils down to, get hip or risk losing market share.

For decades, QSRs adopted some variation of the standard layout of fiberglass seats and mustard-colored wallpaper. The materials were cheap to buy, easy to keep clean—and who cared what the restaurants looked like? Most fast-food customers didn’t stay much longer than 15 minutes, anyway. But fast food’s strategy is changing. Not only do quick-serve chains have to hold their own against encroachment of fast-casual competitors like Chipotle and Panera (which offer nicer settings and higher-end fare for only a modest bump in the average ticket), but consumer eating habits are also getting more sophisticated. In a category whose main culinary attribute has always been “fast,” companies are increasingly catering to consumers who want to linger. Wi-Fi is a given and among other new features are laptop plugs, upholstered chairs and flatscreen TVs.

Read More at: Brandweek