Who ever knew that a fast food restaurant as simple and non nutritional as McDonald's would attract so many customers on a daily basis? Known for being the largest and most diverse geographical restaurant in history, McDonald’s has proved to be the ultimate icon of American fast food abroad and the most successful competitor in Beijing’s fast-food market. Is it the balance between the low priced, scrumptious foods that attract so many customers, or is the clean and comfortable environment that give rise to the increasing popularity of the restaurant?
             Anthropologist and writer Yungxiang Yan examines the cultural symbolism of American fast foods, allowing the reader to understand the leading causes that contribute to the widespread acclaim for McDonalds in her article, Of Hamburger and Social Space: Consuming McDonald’s in Beijing. Although not as explicitly explained in Maslin and Hamjan’s article Fighting a McDonald’s in Queens for the Right to Sit. And Sit. And Sit, both authors successfully portray the increasing popularity and desirability for dining in McDonald’s. As suggested by both articles, the bright interiors, comfortable temperatures, and friendly employees of fast food facilities offer customers a dining experience like no other, being both awarding and problematic for the business of McDonald's.
             The welcoming environment facilitated by fast-fast restaurants stimulates consumers’ demands for both the food and the space offered by McDonald’s. Authors Yan and Maslin Hamdan represent the distinction that is present between how employees of fast food eateries treat their customers in Beijing and flushing differently. The managers of Beijing’s McDonald’s value the desire and appreciation that customers have for the lively environment offered by their restaurant and have not shown any indication of annoyance for the customers long stay. As written by Yan, “the multifunctional use of McDonald’s spac...