McDonald's New Director

I missed this one by a month or so, but McDonald's recently added (IMHO) a celebrity director to its board, Ford CEO James Farley. I've noticed Farley on the business channels for his ease in interviews. His responses aren't canned and rehearsed directly out of Ford's PR department. 

Plus, he's a real "car-guy."

Plus, he's a cousin of the late Saturday Night Live star Chris Farley. You'll see the resemblance.

He's a far more interesting person than most on the BOD.

James D. Farley Jr. elected to McDonald's board

Liberal Politicians Are Your April Fools

Colorado officials want to ban delivered napkins, straws, etc

Pizza Giant Now Selling Sandwiches

Papa John's rolls out toasted sandwiches - NRN

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."

ON the Move

 

Click to enlarge

Analyst Kalinowski says KPop Promo Worth $100 Million

 Netflix-McDonald's collaboration should be "Golden" for the Golden Arches.

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.

Everyone needs "due diligence."

Big Arch Provided Modest Traffic Bump

" the Big Arch wasn't meant to be a traffic play" - NRN

California Fast Food Wage Negative Impacts

$20 wage upped prices, cut jobs - Dan Walters

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.

Pie Five cuts ties with Uber Easts after fee hike - RestBus