Wednesday, July 20, 2011

The Fast Food Hierarchy

Is it just me, or is McDonalds the king of the fast food industry? The restaurant originally created in the 1950's is now the industry leader in fast-food sales, both domestic and abroad. Why is this? What makes McDonalds the best of the worst (food, that is)?



As an executive said on a special investigative report on McDonalds on CNBC, "Nothing turns off a customer more than a dirty bathroom". It's true. And their pledge to cleanliness is true. Every McDonalds I've ever been too -- and mind you, I've visited the Golden Arches in Belgium and London, among other places -- has remarkably clean, tidy restrooms. They also have a new machine that counts change, thus minimizing the time spent by clerks and cashiers counting change. Their cleanliness and efficiency is obviously leading the industry, but what else do they have in the capitalist repertoire?

Well, they add new items to their menu every-so-often, keeping customers' minds and appetites piqued. The Snack-Wraps were introduced last year and have since become a smash-hit for McD's value-based consumers like myself. The McRib has been on-and-off the menu as some sort of a visiting menu item like that of a visiting university professor! And lastly, their advertising is phenomenal. I may not be the biggest fan of the golden arch's actual food, but I am an idol of their ads. Their marketing techniques are nearly flawless. Take, for example, their summer campaign for their new "Real Fruit Smoothies". Their ads are all over Hulu, bound to catch the eyes and tongues of teenage viewers who might opt to visit McD's for a refreshing new beverage. And honestly, who goes to a fast-food joint just for a drink? Most of those who buy into McD's new summer drink campaigns will end up buying a burger or two -- probably with some friends. So what was originally a $2 smoothie is now $15 in revenue from food, fries, and drink for the McDonalds corporation. It is psychology behind advertising like that of McDonalds that renews and strengthens my vigor and resolve to join the advertising industry after college.

Tell me what YOU think about McDonalds restaurants in general compared to those of their fast-food counterparts (BK, Taco Bell, Wendys, etc.) 

10 comments:

  1. I actually think Subway is the new #1.

    Anyhow, I don't like fast food chains. If I'm gonna spend a huge load of money on food, might as well be healthy.

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  2. every company says that about bathrooms. even walmart

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  3. McDonalds is the biggest corporation! Government supports them!

    good article. followed!

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  4. Mike - Walmart is actually #1….and then comes big oil corps

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  5. here in germany, mc started a campaign where you could create your own burger online. now after some time, they sell the most rated ones a few weeks. clever trick to let other people do the work for mc
    +1

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  6. Wow now that I think of it, every McDonalds I been to had a really clean bathroom. Never really took much thought about it, but I just stay away from McDonalds, I just cook everything myself. But loving the blog, followed to, really like your support ;).

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  7. Havnt ate at a mcdonalds in years, though I see them everywhere I go! KFC is the fast food of choice, the double down is hard to beat! Following for future posts

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  8. The marketing of MC Donalds is really adorable. Even if their foods tastes bad they know how to advertise.

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  9. I try not to eat at fast food , if I really need it is usually a small kebab shed

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  10. I agree with @Nobel Sloth. Even if you don't their food or hate their culture you have to admit that they know what they are doing. Their marketing and consistency play huge parts.

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