Mickey D's McMakeover

Buisness Week Online ^ | 5/11/06 | By Pallavi Gogoi, with Michael Arndt in Chicago and Abed Moiduddin in Oak Brook

[snowrip]

And, with that, one of the last bastions of contemporary society begins its slow slide into the tranquilization of political correctness. A kinder, gentler MacD's.... How long until they have a Surf and Turf special and a wine list?

Personally, I DO NOT want to hang out at MacDonalds. I WANT a color scheme designed to subliminally stimulate movement and uneasiness, and I want the hard plastic booths to be angled in such a way that they restrict blood flow in my legs... because that is what MacD's is, fast food.

[Sometimes A River]

Uh, how is this "PC" again?

There is an old adage in retail...Grow or Die.

They OBVIOUSLY think this will help them GROW.

[Sergio]

Hmmmm...folks complained so long and so loud about the quality of their food, that the corporation decided to redecorate.

[Tijeras_Slim]

Always a popular theme.

[Little Ray]

Makeovers ain't gonna help.
Fast food in nice sometimes, but I DON'T LIKE McDonalds food. The only thing that brings me in there is the playplace for my daughters ages 6 and 4. Otherwise, if I want a "fast" burger, I prefer Wendys, Burger King, or almost anything EXCEPT McDonalds.

[Pete'sWife]

You can put a hat on a pig, but all you'll get is a pig wearing a hat.

Sitting in a comfy chair eating garbage isn't my idea of enjoyable dining.

I had a cup of McDonalds coffee twenty years ago and I still can't get the taste of it out of my mouth.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

What made McDonald's so successful was its simplicity. Quick, convenient fast food that filled you up. All these changes, such as trying to be "nutritious" and getting rid of the heat lamps, will be the demise of the company.

[Recovering Hermit]

You can't polish a turd.

[Sometimes A River]

Well, that's up to the owners.

But, I seriuosly doubt they are doing this to be "PC."

[PeterPrinciple]

For some reason the thought came in my mind that they might have a few too many homersexuals in mgt. Just being honest.

[JoeGar]

Cosmetic changes only. That'll really draw the crowds. What about a good hot dog? Onion rings?

[NaughtiusMaximus]

Ahhh. The old Korova.

[OXENinFLA]

[Lazamataz]

Personally, I DO NOT want to hang out at MacDonalds. I WANT a color scheme designed to subliminally stimulate movement and uneasiness, and I want the hard plastic booths to be angled in such a way that they restrict blood flow in my legs... because that is what MacD's is, fast food.

Nossir, that's the heart attack from the clogged arteries that the food caused.

[COBOL2Java]

Will they bring back Mac the Night?

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Those comfy armchairs are gonna look like crap.. a few milliseconds after the legions of 4-year-olds start climbing on them.

[Fester Chugabrew]

Our closest McDonald's had this makeover last year. Visited for the first time a couple months ago. The difference is amazing. The place is spotless. The ambience is more like that of an upscale restaurant. The food was as consistent as ever (for better or for worse). It was, except for the food, difficult to tell I was in one of their restaurants. Even a fireplace and wide screen TV. Let's see how that theme works out in Harlem.

[RabidBartender]

I'm lovin' it.

Yo dawg.

I've been going to Burger King ever since McDonald's decided to "pimp" my burger.

[Tribune7]

Taco Bell will ultimately win the franchise war. All restaruants will be Taco Bell.

Schwarzenegger will be president.

[Obadiah]

Actually, I think McD's has done a pretty good job turning around the franchise. Remember, not that long ago they were in a pretty serious slump. I think they have really improved the menu for the better, adding stuff that you can half-way eat (grilled chicken, no mayo). I think they are pretty good at deciphering the market.