If McDonald's would up the pay of both the employees and management, they'd be able to attract some higher quality people and possibly give their current employees some role models. I agree, but its going to take massive change in their image. Right now, there is more stuff on the "value" menu than on the regular one. They're in a death spiral, lower and lower revenues, more and more loss leaders, and the quality of personnel has been suffering from this corkscrew to oblivion. All of the good fast food places cited on this thread have one thing in common: You're going to pay a full price for a good burger, but you'll get what you pay for. How McD's can change their image from "yuk" to "yum" remains to be seen, but the person who can figure it out will be the Lee Iaccoca of the hamburger business.
By the way, from the frequent mentions, I'm sincerely jealous of the CA Freepers who have access to those delicious-sounding In and Out burgers! I guess its the way the universe tries to make it right for your having to put up with Grayout Davis.
Here in E'ville McD's revamped a few of the local restaurants. They are now called McD's Diner. You can order actual plate dinners with vegs and all. They also have a selection of nice desserts. It's a '50's style diner where there is a phone at each booth to call your order in. Waiters and waitresses were very nice and seating area was clean. Obviously, a desparate attempt to change a dying reputation. The first day the diner was open it was packed for hours....for days. Must be going over well.
On another note....does anyone remember the old McD's song that went something like this.....
"McDonalds is your kind of place,
Can't find a parking place,
Squirt ketchup in your face,
McDonalds is your kinds of place."
There's more but I can't remember the whole thing. And I can't remember if this was something we made up or if it was a nationally known song. It was way back in the '70's when I first remember hearing that song. My kids laugh when I sing it.