ORANGE ROOFS, GOLDEN ARCHES: An Architectural History of American Chain Restaurants

by Philip Langdon ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 12, 1986

Architecture buffs, forget Blenheim's towering pediments and take a look at that ""White Castle."" Turn your back on Chartres Cathedral and examine those ""McDonald's"" arches. In this first comprehensive survey of America's chain restaurants, Langdon has put together a vastly entertaining, lavishly illustrated guide to the architecture of the eye-grabbing (and sometimes stomach-turning) eateries that have sprung up along the nation's highways and byways since the 1870's. Tracing the development of the restaurants from the horse-drawn wagons that first started dispensing lunches to workers during the Grant Administration, Langdon organizes his material in such a way that the book is as much a social history of the US as it is an architectural study. How customers' expectations and concerns influenced the design of these restaurants is just one of the intriguing sidelights to be found here. Back around the turn of the century, cleanliness was a major consideration. As a result, white tile and later white enamel were the decoration of choice. With the boom years following WW II, vitality and flashiness were preferred. Enter neon and vibrant colors. When the 60's generation opted for ""naturalness,"" cedar shakes and potted plants made their appearance in the fast-food emporiums. The material is wide-ranging and explores such matters as ""The First Great Hamburger War""--White Castle and White Tower went at it hammer and spatula; the rise and decline of the drive-in; the design lay-outs required to get a hamburger, beverage, French fries and ice cream into the hands of a customer in 20 seconds. Current trends in franchising and what to expect in the chain restaurant of the future are also discussed. With more than 150 black-and-white and full-color photographs, paintings, floor plans, renderings and post cards, Orange Roofs, Golden Arches is a ""feast for the eye."" Everyone interested in the quirkier aspects of American life should eat it up.

Pub Date: June 12, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Knopf

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION