[Cronos]

I've been to McD's in 9 different countries outside the US and what I conclude is that the management of MD is smart -- they tune their outlet for a particular target customer and focus-focus-focus.

For instance in India they can't compete with the local snack foods, so they go a little "up market" and market themselves as a fun place to take the kids (very important in crowded Indian cities) -- their menu is also ZERO beef, ZERO pork and lot's of vegetarian options. And they do very well

In Poland their outlets are strategically placed at cross-roads, off the highways and at busy points, perfect for a quick meal. And their prices are competitive but slightly higher than the cheapest (milk bars) options AND they have "kebab wraps" in their menu (kebab is popular here).

In England they are cheap and quick like the US

In France they hide their M symbol and make their outlets a little more "artistic"

In Hong Kong their menu is quite localised -- even have noodles!

these guys are good, they localize their menus and even their USP. In Western Europe their aim is cheap, quick and open even on Sundays (remember that in Germany everything else is closed on Sundays). In Eastern Europe and the Middle East and Asia, it is clean and dependable quality.

Subways is also following the same route.

Burger King isn't able to localize anywhere near as well (though if I do enter a burger place, my first choice is BK as I love it's flame-grilled burgers) and ditto KFC.

[beaversmom]

For instance in India they can't compete with the local snack foods, so they go a little "up market" and market themselves as a fun place to take the kids (very important in crowded Indian cities) -- their menu is also ZERO beef, ZERO pork and lot's of vegetarian options. And they do very well.

Fun to look at their entire menu--all kinds of different things, even some of the desserts. :) http://www.mcdonaldsindia.net/burgers-and-wraps.aspx

[riri]

I do not understand the Euro kebab obsession. I have tried to like them but no luck. They gross me out. I stick with turkish pizza ( or McDs) when looking for something cheap.

Though with our inflated prices and rising costs, I no longer get as bad sticker shock when in Europe. I noticed last trip, a lot of stuff is actually cheaper now. ):

[max americana]

“In Hong Kong their menu is quite localised — even have noodles!”

My sis works for multinational bank in HK and whenever I visit her, I did notice that as well. Even in the Philippines, noodles or pansit’ has been part of the menu for many years. They just know how to adapt locally.

[dfwgator]

In France they hide their M symbol and make their outlets a little more "artistic"

What do they call a "Quarter Pounder"?