March 30, 2026
March 28, 2026
Maze on New Whopper
Jonathan Maze on X
@jonathanmaze
"Finally tried the upgraded Whopper. I stopped on my way home from the airport, went through the DT and ate it in the parking lot like a surprising big percentage of fast-food visits.
Exceptional burger. The upgrades are subtle yet very effective, especially the improved bun and the packaging. Still a Whopper. It’s just a better Whopper. Impressive stuff."
March 27, 2026
March 26, 2026
Jonathan Maze on a Few Political and Legal Issues:
Restaurants and Politics:
Midterm elections as seen by the National Restaurant Association
I'd bet that very few McDonald's franchisees have ever touched, paged through, or read their Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Especially with the number of next-gen Owner/Operators and former employees in the Operator ranks. Most signed up without reading anything.
March 24, 2026
March 21, 2026
March 18, 2026
Chains Play Hardball on Delivery Fees
A lot gets written about the costs of delivery impacting restaurant operators. Maybe the question should be, why would the average consumer spend the extra money to have your food delivered?
If the industry focus is on "value," why are restaurants promoting the most expensive way to access the product?
My household spent a lot of money on delivery during the pandemic. Then we enjoyed going out and our trips to the grocery store. Lately, for various reasons, we've ordered more from McDonald's (Big Arch) and a few other chains. Gosh, it's expensive! Those fees! The gratuities! At least as compared to jumping in the car and driving a few minutes to my local McDonald's.
It's my impression that some people can afford to have their food delivered. But for those who can't or won't, no amount of advertising will force them to carve out more of their budget for food delivery.
Trying to increase sales with "value" and also trying to increase delivery sales are contradictory messages.
From now on, I'll see you at the drive-thru.