"In hindsight, this is not the ideal economy to
roll out specialty coffee," says Larry Miller,
an analyst in Atlanta with RBC Capital Markets.
Crain's article is HERE
.
November 29, 2008
November 25, 2008
November 24, 2008
Dow Jones' Richard Gibson on Franchise Financing
Skinner says:
The money is still available, although it might take longer to process loan applications and the cost may be "a bit higher,"
.
The money is still available, although it might take longer to process loan applications and the cost may be "a bit higher,"
.
November 21, 2008
November 19, 2008
A Cult of Personalities
There is no doubt that to keep the McDonald's business
a PR firm or ad agency has to kiss up to the corporate
people but THIS press release takes it to a new level.
SoCal corporate guy Steve Norby is featured in a press
release with secondary mention of world children's day
and absolutely ZERO mention of McDonald's Owner/Operators
and their contributions to their communities.
The PR agency has not been made to realize that the
Operators are paying their fees, not Steve Norby.
.
a PR firm or ad agency has to kiss up to the corporate
people but THIS press release takes it to a new level.
SoCal corporate guy Steve Norby is featured in a press
release with secondary mention of world children's day
and absolutely ZERO mention of McDonald's Owner/Operators
and their contributions to their communities.
The PR agency has not been made to realize that the
Operators are paying their fees, not Steve Norby.
.
November 13, 2008
Some Expert Advice on Coffee Sales
One of the top ten sell-side analysts covering McDonald's
is David Palmer at UBS. David recently published updated
earnings estimates on Starbucks. Now, David knows Starbucks
as well as anyone and has been covering them for years.
David states:
"We are forecasting a 7% SSS decline and EPS of
$0.13 (-36% YOY) for the Sep-ending quarter. In
recent years, Starbucks’ summer sales have been
weak as consumers traded down from Frappuccinos
to other caffeinated treats (e.g. iced coffee),
and this summer was no exception. "
McDonald's Owner/Operators should remember this proven
fact about summer espresso drink sales when being asked
to put McCafe on TV next July and August.
.
is David Palmer at UBS. David recently published updated
earnings estimates on Starbucks. Now, David knows Starbucks
as well as anyone and has been covering them for years.
David states:
"We are forecasting a 7% SSS decline and EPS of
$0.13 (-36% YOY) for the Sep-ending quarter. In
recent years, Starbucks’ summer sales have been
weak as consumers traded down from Frappuccinos
to other caffeinated treats (e.g. iced coffee),
and this summer was no exception. "
McDonald's Owner/Operators should remember this proven
fact about summer espresso drink sales when being asked
to put McCafe on TV next July and August.
.
McDonald's well positioned in face of recession: Skinner
McDonald's Corp is shielded against recession
and has hardly been hit by the international
financial crisis.
.
and has hardly been hit by the international
financial crisis.
.
November 10, 2008
November 7, 2008
McCafe Xenophobia
The first major test for specialty coffee was in the
state of Michigan beginning in 2006. Michigan was chosen
because of the planned expansion of Tim Hortons from
Canada into the USA. Those plans did not work out as
Hortons' management envisioned.
Read about Tim Hortons' lack of progress HERE
.
November 4, 2008
Where Are They Now?
Anyone remember Alan Feldman? He was President of MCD USA
back in the late 1990s. He's now at Midas -
Here's a recent interview
.
back in the late 1990s. He's now at Midas -
Here's a recent interview
.