McGowan's was busy that day celebrating its 60th anniversary, the public and local news crew turned out in support of its most successful homegrown fast-food establishment. Even though the hopes of going nationwide with McGowan's fast-food chains never happened (that other West-Coast joint that shall remain unnamed stole it's thunder in the 'Great Burger Wars' of the 1960s), it has remained a family favorite in this part of Pennsylvania for decades. Little did they know life was about to change…
I had a blast designing two options for the style guide for Finleyville's fast-food restaurant. Option #1, the abstract shamrock arch is integrated as the front structure of the building, merging signage and structure which my favorite 'roadside' architecture does from the 1950s and 60s. Option #2, I integrated a giant 3D shamrock sign as part of the roof. The creative director, Phil Robb, a Pennsylvania native, liked Option #1 for creating that iconic look that is an instant landmark in the Finleyville missions.
Special thanks to Daniel McGowan, Michael Shinde and Scott Knapp for the fun morning (Caffeine Crowbar) conversations in the office that inspired this building design.
Level Designer: David Ruiz
Creative Director: Phil Robb
Art Director:
https://www.artstation.com/mikebrainard