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McDonald’s CEO outlines changes as sales slide
Associated Press ^ | Oct 21, 2014 6:11 PM EDT | Candice Choi

Posted on 10/21/2014 6:55:17 PM PDT by Olog-hai

After posting yet another disappointing quarter, McDonald’s CEO Don Thompson said Tuesday the company hasn’t been keeping up with the times and that changes are in store for its U.S. restaurants.

Thompson said that starting in January, McDonald’s will “simplify” its menu to make room for restaurants to offer options that are best-suited for their regions. To offer greater customization, he also said the company planned to expand its “Create Your Taste” offering that lets people pick the buns and toppings they want on burgers by tapping a touchscreen. The program is currently being offered in Southern California, and McDonald’s has said it will roll it out nationally in Australia. […]

The changes come as McDonald’s continues to struggle with myriad problems. One of its biggest challenges in the U.S. is long-held perceptions around the freshness and quality of its ingredients. The chain has been fighting to boost sales as people gravitate toward foods they feel are more wholesome. As a result, people have been gravitating to places like Chipotle, which markets its ingredients as being of superior quality. …

(Excerpt) Read more at hosted.ap.org ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Food
KEYWORDS: chipotle; foodquality; lowersales; mcdonalds
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To: Olog-hai

They could make their hamburgers taste like they did 30 years ago. Naaaaah.


101 posted on 10/21/2014 9:21:16 PM PDT by catnipman (Cat Nipman: Vote Republican in 2012 and only be called racist one more time!)
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To: informavoracious

McDonalds is not better or worse than it was 10, 20, 30 years ago. Its problem is that its target demographic doesn’t have the spending money it used to.

IOW the problem is a lousy Obama economy. Not whats on the McDonalds menu


102 posted on 10/21/2014 9:21:25 PM PDT by dennisw (The first principle is to find out who you are then you can achieve anything -- Buddhist monk)
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To: 4rcane

“is it just me, but the burgers they sell look much smaller than I remember it”

Nope. Not just you. Their burgers are WAY smaller than 30 years ago. And taste like cardboard now, too.


103 posted on 10/21/2014 9:24:02 PM PDT by catnipman (Cat Nipman: Vote Republican in 2012 and only be called racist one more time!)
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To: Olog-hai
I keep chuckling at the comparison to Chipotle. You can find dozens of “Mexican Cuisine” “Hole in the walls” all over Southern California that offer food with much better quality and taste, not to mention larger portions, than any Chipotle.

McDonald's has simply peaked. It can only do so good with the model that it has established. Additional revenue is not easy to come by, but it is possible if they adapt to the ever changing tastes and demands of those who are interested in frequenting their establishment, IMO.

104 posted on 10/21/2014 9:26:31 PM PDT by Pox (Good Night. I expect more respect tomorrow.)
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To: VeniVidiVici

Yes! Bring back the fries. They were awesome!


105 posted on 10/21/2014 9:26:56 PM PDT by joshua c (Please dont feed the liberals)
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To: dennisw

Relative to prices 40 years ago you got much better quality for your buck. A family of 4 can drop $40 for a Mc meal today. The menu may not be the only problem, but it’s a contributor to why ordinary people like me don’t eat there anymore but do eat at In ‘n Out.


106 posted on 10/21/2014 9:30:32 PM PDT by informavoracious (Open your eyes, people!)
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To: catnipman

yea, what happened? filofish used to be fav, but it taste horrible recently. W hat did they change? Hungry Jacks, big whopper still taste pretty good. The size is still the same size I remember them, so I guesss I’ll be going there now


107 posted on 10/21/2014 9:32:12 PM PDT by 4rcane
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To: Maceman
Another problem is they cost too much and I don't like having to buy more food than I need. For example I only want two tacos, but you have to buy three. Big reason I rarely eat there.
108 posted on 10/21/2014 9:32:21 PM PDT by suijuris
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To: Olog-hai

Remove the msg and other additives that give me headaches. Even their salads make ill. Anyone here been to Habit Burger or Bristol Farms and have their hamburger? For $5 with fries or mashed potatoes you have a much better tasting meal that does not give you headaches.

Both McDonalds and Burger King ruined their french fries.

They feed much of the world.
15 Facts About McDonald’s That Will Blow Your Mind
http://www.businessinsider.com/facts-about-mcdonalds-blow-your-mind-2011-11?op=1


109 posted on 10/21/2014 9:33:32 PM PDT by minnesota_bound
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To: informavoracious

“ordinary people like me don’t eat there anymore but do eat at In ‘n Out”

How is this place any less expensive than McDonalds for a family of four?


110 posted on 10/21/2014 9:44:50 PM PDT by dennisw (The first principle is to find out who you are then you can achieve anything -- Buddhist monk)
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To: Olog-hai

The millinials don’t like the crap. And kids’ meals don’t excite kids anymore. They want computer gadgets.


111 posted on 10/21/2014 10:15:13 PM PDT by VerySadAmerican (Liberals were raised by women or wimps. And they're all stupid.)
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To: skr

I don’t think I would like to touch a screen that so many others have touched before me. Bring sanitizer with you!! Ick!!!


112 posted on 10/21/2014 10:16:45 PM PDT by hsmomx3
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To: Deathtomarxists; All
same in Lexington, KY...cut the "New age" choices, go back to better tasting food
don't be afraid; to innovate, to fry the potatoes in duck oil/reduce the kinds of burgers/employ English speaking employees
/fight Gov't interference.

113 posted on 10/21/2014 10:33:55 PM PDT by skinkinthegrass (Liberalism to Fabianism to Socialism to Marxism to Totalitarianism.. "the inertia of stupidity" d8-)
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To: Rodamala; All
I use to live ('67-'69) in TX (aTm) loved What-a-Burger
and the ice cold root-beer.

114 posted on 10/21/2014 10:44:24 PM PDT by skinkinthegrass (Liberalism to Fabianism to Socialism to Marxism to Totalitarianism.. "the inertia of stupidity" d8-)
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To: Tijeras_Slim; Maceman

Ten signs you’re in a great Mexican restaurant:

10. It’s located in a hole in the wall of an old strip mall.

9. Linoleum floors, formica tabletops and the chairs don’t all match.

8. There are no waitresses, you order at a counter and they bring you your food.

7. There is a separate counter where they sell raw meat.

6. There are no fewer that six bright colors in the décor.

5. No crispy tacos.

4. A calendar with a colorful picture of a bullfight, from 1993.

3. A picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

2. Though it’s not on the menu, a paper sign informs you that they sell Birria (goat stew) on Sabado (Saturday). An extra bonus if the sign has a picture of a goat.

1. And finally, the place is packed with Mexicans.


115 posted on 10/21/2014 10:52:17 PM PDT by Hugin ("Do yourself a favor--first thing, get a firearm!",)
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To: Olog-hai

I remember when a big mac actually tasted like a burger.
Now it tastes like cardboard with secret sause.
Not worth going to.
Not quality food,
Just hurry up and push this crap throught the take out window, hurry hurry.


116 posted on 10/22/2014 4:21:21 AM PDT by Joe Boucher (The F.B.I. Is a division of holders Justice Dept. (Nuff said))
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To: Gabz

Not a big Fast Foodie here, either - though I served my time working at the local when I was in High School.


117 posted on 10/22/2014 4:44:50 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set...)
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To: LonePalm

Well, I AM old - my memory only seems to work on M-W-F these days, LOL!


118 posted on 10/22/2014 4:45:39 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'Hobbies.' I'm developing a robust Post-Apocalyptic skill set...)
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To: informavoracious

“Julia Child said the McD tallow fries were THE best French fries.”

My poor grandchildren have never known the good fries,only the lousy ones which I don’t even eat.

.


119 posted on 10/22/2014 8:48:42 AM PDT by Mears
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To: Olog-hai

In L.A?

Best joint there is Tommy’s.

Everything is fresh and made the way you want.


120 posted on 10/22/2014 11:10:28 AM PDT by goldstategop (In Memory Of A Dearly Beloved Friend Who Lives In My Heart Forever)
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