Posted on 01/23/2014 6:59:04 AM PST by Red in Blue PA
NEW YORK (AP) -- McDonald's reported disappointing sales for its fourth quarter Thursday, as the world's largest hamburger chain saw fewer customers visit its restaurants.
The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company says global sales slipped 0.1 percent at established locations. In the U.S., where it recently revamped its Dollar Menu to include items that cost a little more, the figure fell 1.4 percent.
(Excerpt) Read more at finance.yahoo.com ...
The problem with McD’s and the media is simply this, they are the biggest guy on the block, and as such they are the ones attacked non stop.
They try to appease the attackers, but the reality is, most of the folks attacking do not and never will eat at McDonald’s.
I do think personally the quick service industry could do better and offering healthier alternatives, so when I am forced to eat there, I can find something that isn’t full of carbs and empty calories, that isn’t just a horrible salad. I really have no issues with burgers, the meat is rarely where the calories lay in fast food, its the onslaught of the fries and the bun they serve it on. Fast Food in particular loads their buns with insanely high sugar content... Its not the same bun you would get if you bought a pack of buns for your family at the local grocer or supermarket.
However, I also know I don’t run the company, and they are very successful at what they do.. I know that they lose me as a regular customer because of those choices, but probably make it up by others who don’t give a damn about what I do.
I do still eat there from time to time, but not as often as I might if the options were better. I don’t expect McD’s to modify its business model for me, but as a company I’m sure they do focus groups and people like me tell them this, they make attempts but often fail because the nature of their systems don’t really lend itself to the types of things I’d probably like to see, so their attempts at them usually fail.
Well, this won’t be a PC opinion, but... could part of this be because McD’s has become the “minority” fast food option? All their marketing seems targeted to “urban youth” and Hispanics.
That, and - there are just so many alternatives, esp. if you want something semi-healthy (or rather, “non-fast-food-ish”?). I’ve been saying for a while now that McD’s days at the top are numbered. My kids and their friends rarely want McD’s. They’d rather have Chick-Fil-A or 5 Guys.
Of course it was inevitable fast food chains would suffer.
Their egg McMuffins are very good, as is their coffee. At least around here. The muffins are good quality, tender, and toasted just right. The sausage tastes good and has a good mouth feel, and the egg is tender and moist. Two people can have a nice breakfast for six bucks.
.
Very true. And they kept the five and dime moniker for decades after the only things they sold for a dime or less were a pack of gum or a pencil.
“Indeed. The general staff attitude is what has ruined the customer experience for me.”
Its all laughs and smiles when they are waiting on “there people”. Then I walk to the counter and its the stone face, barely a “can I help you” and no “thank you”, “come back” or “have a nice day” and ya better be making sure ya got the correct change back too, had that happen on a few occasions. I always less change back than I’m supposed to never more.............weird
I won’t pay more than a dollar for pink slime.
“The problem is they aren’t keeping up....no sweet potato fries, white yucky bread, drinks and dressings with corn syrup in them. McDonald’s has the food technology knowledge to make whole grain breads and healthy vegetables that are tasty and nutritional, if they were so inclined.”
Actually, I miss the old McDonalds. I went there for a burger and fries, not foo-foo food. At McD’s or BK anymore, the only things I want are on the dollar menu...but the fries were better when cooked in fat. I don’t go to a place like that for fine dining.
Their French Fry process used to be complicated.
French Fries, McDonalds Style
6 Idaho russet potatoes
Peanut oil
Sea salt
Peel and square off potato ends. Cut into 3/8” batons.
Soak for two hours changing water after an hour.
Dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Heat about an inch of oil (or enough to cover potatoes)
in a large, heavy bottomed pot to 290F.
Blanch potatoes gently for about two minutes until cooked
through but still completely pale. Place on a paper-towel
lined sheet pan and cool in the refrigerator to stop
cooking process.
Re-heat oil to 370 degrees. Cook fries until golden and
crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes. If necessary, agitate gently
with a spatula to prevent sticking.
Remove from pan and toss with salt to taste (You can blot
if you want less fat). Serve immediately.
Recipe serves 4 to 6.
Huh, fish balls for only 15 cents. Such a deal.
SNL from the 70s rules!
Hat tip.
Thanks.
The egg-white mcmuffin is delicious, and they upgraded the coffee awhile back. And our local McDonalds has started staffing the drive up window with people who are native English speakers. Sorry to see their profitability drop just when they are actually improving their restaurant.
Their prices have gone up. 4 to 5+ dollars for their Qtr Pounders and Chicken sandwiches. Too much when I can get a Kobe Beef Burger for a little more at our neighborhood sit down joint.
The food sucks and has gotten expensive for what it is.
Huh, fish balls for only 15 cents. Such a deal.
And a Roast Beef sandwich for 10¢.
What a Stark reminder of how the irresponsible policies of the federal government have devalued the dollar.
I think the first McDonald's hamburger I had cost 15¢ and fries cost 10¢ - and no sales tax either!.
To be fair though, the couple of McD stores I visit do seem to be staffed with some very polite, hard-working young people.
make the burgers non-barfing
and
i will buy some
Well, I think that is just it. Not much is left on the dollar menu.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.