For the first time in nearly a decade, McDonald's sales have fallen. Isn't that a crazy thought? McDonald's has been making more and more money - and selling more and more cheeseburgers - every quarter for the last ten years. Until the last one, that is.
As the fast food giant scrambles to regain its footing, it is making a lot of changes. They now sell pumpkin spice lattes, as part of their ongoing bid to unseat Starbucks from the espresso throne. I'm sure their pumpkin spice lattes are selling pretty well, but most people who go crazy over pumpkin spice lattes are extremely brand-loyal: it's Starbucks or nothing.
Despite not being very good, McCafe has been crushing it in the sales departments. McDonalds stores with a McCafe have 15% higher sales than those without, and it has proven insanely popular on the international market.
I have tried a few McCafe drinks and thought they were exactly what you would expect: overly sweet, not very strong, and cheap. I guess that is what people want?
Another change is coming to the Dollar Menu, which will be called the "Dollar Menu and More." It will now feature items which cost more than a dollar, like $2 burgers and a $5 20-piece box of chicken nuggets. I guess it's fine if they want to simplify their pricing structure, but I balk at the idea of putting things that do not cost a dollar on the Dollar Menu. The Dollar Menu is practically an institution at this point! A disgusting, delicious, ridiculously cheap institution.
Meanwhile, Jack in the Box has started catering directly (and none-too-subtly) to the stoner market. Their new "Munchie Meal" is only available after 9PM, and features food you would have to be high to eat, like something called an "Exploding Cheesy Chicken" sandwich. (Blerg.)
Image courtesy Flickr/yum9me
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