The Suburban Standard

Contemporary McDonalds in New York City

From: http://media.nowpublic.net/images//29/9/299cb4e9a39619d2cc1274a33d615d88.jpg

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Since the 1950s, it's clear which of the two trends in fast food dining -- the urban-born Automat cafeteria and the suburban-born drive-in & drive-through burger joint -- has come to dominate. The interesting thing is that this is the case both in suburban and urban environments. In the 1950s, there existed a distinctive model suited to both environments, but today, it seems we've taken a model from one and adapted it to the other.

What is implicitly suggested by this is that the suburban lifestyle or values of visible but isolated consumption inaugurated in the '50s has, to some degree, become the norm outside of its physical boundaries. Today, in cities all over America, we see McDonalds and other fast food restaurants (originally seen as stand-alone burger establishments in the open spaces of the suburbs, accessible by car) crammed into storefronts.

There is somehow a significant difference, it seems, from Automat culture at work in these establishments. The reliably bright, family-friendly ambiance even seems to set the tone of the place. Automats were a fast food experience that was more "adult:" the fast food we see today carries a child-like aesthetics, and therefore informs the type of interactions had in those restaurants. The counter-service also provides a level of surveillance that contrasts with the Automat's anonymity. It seems the '50s heyday of the shifty Herbert Hunckes and Bill Burroughses of the world loitering all night in metropolitan fast food establishments is gone for good.