Basement Whatever

In the United States, I feel like we utilize the chain for its speed and affordability, but in a lot of places overseas, it really is a symbol of Americana and everything that it represents. Of course, sometimes that feeling is anxiety about some of our more imperialist habits, but there’s definitely still a lot of joy. I remember reading this old news story about how when Serbians got their first McDonald’s, they would taunt the opposing team’s fans at Balkan soccer matches over not having one. That kind of pride for their area having gotten a bastion of the Golden Arches is very real.

An excellent interview throughout, sharing perspective on the role McDonald’s plays in tying together communities. Worth reading the whole thing.