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September 20, 2020
September 17, 2020
September 16, 2020
100,000 Restaurant Closures Expected in 2020
I've tried to stay away from much of the negative news in the restaurant industry because
it's depressing and kind of scary. But since much of the bad news doesn't apply to QSRs
with drive-thrus here's a comprehensive article on the industry and the current political
situation in Washington D.C.
I'd think this would be good news for QSRs as people have to eat someplace and I'm sure
they are sick of eating at home. One problem - when Operators get sales increases in the
future they might not know why. Whats working and what's not? The corporate guys will
take all the credit but maybe it's just a different industry?
September 14, 2020
Defending Travis Scott
Some of the comments herein and other communications with McDonald's Owner/Operators appear to blame Travis Scott for being affiliated with McDonald's. And some had no idea that the rap genre contained such vulgar language.
First, Scott made himself famous. Then, in a search for celebrity promotional partners, McDonald's Corporation chased him until he caught them. On one hand, you have to admire his creativity and entrepreneurship. On the other hand, I can't support any "artist" who records spoken pornography and sells it to junior high kids.
But he didn't invent rap. The rap genre dates back to the late 1970s. Many of us became
aware of it through artists like MC Hammer. His biggest hit "U Can't Touch This" was an enjoyable, catchy song with fairly sanitized lyrics. I still enjoy it. But folks, that was thirty
years ago.
Somewhere rap went astray and we ended up with famous rappers like Eminem. At least
that was the guy I found my youngest son listening to as he entered high school. That was
fifteen years ago.
Responsibility for the fact that McDonald's Corp. is now part of the rap scene is 110% on McDonald's management and no one else. They are the ones who don't understand McDonald's historical culture.
Since rap has been around for a while why hasn't McDonald's gotten involved with rap celebrities before? It's because the company was run by people like Jim Skinner and Jim Cantalupo who understood the importance of building a company with actual values.
This generation of "leaders" just wants to be modern and progressive - and gross.
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September 11, 2020
September 6, 2020
What is McDonald's HQ Thinking?
The past month has seen some huge contradictions for the McDonald's brand. The
Easterbrook soap opera stays in the news and McDonald's management's
Easterbrook soap opera stays in the news and McDonald's management's
holier-than-thou response is to talk about "values".
Out of the other side of their "values" management has gone all-in to partner with
Out of the other side of their "values" management has gone all-in to partner with
a rapper who (like most rappers) glorifies obscene language, sex, drugs, misogyny,
and racism.
How can a corporation have "values" and then partner with a celebrity who promotes
How can a corporation have "values" and then partner with a celebrity who promotes
the lowest in human behavior?
I remember when McDonald's was a family restaurant chain.
I know, you're thinking it's a generational thing and I wouldn't understand. You'd be
I remember when McDonald's was a family restaurant chain.
I know, you're thinking it's a generational thing and I wouldn't understand. You'd be
right that I don't understand how anyone of any age could listen to such garbage or
pay to hear it. But the generational gap I find frustrating is that many McDonald's Owner/Operators in their 40s/50s/60s might not know what their marketing budget
is supporting.
But don't take my word for it, read for yourself. Below is a link to McDonald's new
But don't take my word for it, read for yourself. Below is a link to McDonald's new
partner's recent lyrics.
How are your "values" doing now?
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September 4, 2020
September 1, 2020
Three Big Questions on McDonald’s War with Easterbrook
"What’s more, it has raised questions from franchisees, who’ve seen significant changes
under Easterbrook and now question them given the company’s current allegations. “Operators are pissed,” one franchisee said."
By Jonathan Maze - Restaurant Business
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under Easterbrook and now question them given the company’s current allegations. “Operators are pissed,” one franchisee said."
By Jonathan Maze - Restaurant Business
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