Austrian McDonald's outlets have become US Embassy outposts

No, I promise this isn't fake news. I really did do my research on this one, and I promise it isn't a joke - McDonald's outlets across Austria have officially become outposts for the US Embassy.

Any American travellers in Austria who have lost their passports or encountered some legal trouble need only stroll through the doors of the nearest golden arches and staff members will provide a 24/7 hotline number for the United States Embassy and a phone to call there if needed, according to the partnership announced on Facebook last week.

"American citizens travelling in Austria who find themselves in distress and without a way to contact the U.S. Embassy can enter – as of Wednesday, May 15, 2019 – any McDonald's in Austria, and staff will assist them in making contact with the U.S. Embassy for consular services (e.g. report a lost or stolen passport, or seek travel assistance)," the post reads.

United States ambassador to Austria, Trevor D. Traina is shown smiling and shaking hands with Isabelle Kuster, the managing director of McDonald’s Austria, after signing a “memorandum of agreement.”

A branded coffee cup is placed strategically on the table.

While some, like fast food chain Burger King, might think the notion seems completely ludicrous, the idea is to ensure that American travellers are faced with familiar options when in distress in their foreign circumstances, and are provided with a place that can supply consular help and a serving of fries in the same sitting.

Talk about a Happy Meal!