Wednesday, March 29, 2006

McTongue

Here is a meal encountered by The McChronicles while on a recent tour of China's McDonald's. If it were to appear at a McDonald's (and it most certainly did NOT), it would be called "McTongue" (and it is definately MUCH bigger than a Quarter Pounder!!!). Let's hope it never happens!

The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: The McChronicles.

Tempting

Is it any wonder why The McChronicles chose this hotel while in China?

The view from the room was exceptional, don't you think?

The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: The McChronicles.

A "Ride To": Not Quite A Drive Thru

This "Ride To" McDonald's is located at Tian Lin, No 402 Gui Lin Rd in Shanghai, China. As you can see, hundreds of customers ride their bikes to this restaurant. The inside was equally jammin' when The McChronicles dropped by to see what was shaking.

The service was organized, very fast, and cordial. This is a recommended McDonald's for those in the area.

The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: The McChronicles

Sunday, March 19, 2006

From Green To Blak

OK - the whole green Shamrock Shake has run its course. Now we have a new color to consider: blak.

Coca-Cola is launching a new beverage, called
Coca-Cola Blak. We wonder if it will be available at McDonald's. Does anyone know?

And with all the hype over the Premium Blend products, The McChronicles wonders how all this coffee-mania will play out. Hmm?


The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: Screen grab from Coca-Cola website.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Shamrock Shake: "Green Nectar Of The Gods"

At this time of the year we turn our thoughts to St. Patrick and all that he wrought. Especially the Shamrock Shake (via McDonald's). Interestingly, this product is not as easy to find as one might think.

A frustrated McChronicles fan had this to offer; a tribute to the sometimes elusive seasonal delight:

"I took the kids to McD tonite on the way home... I spent 3 miles convincing them that they'd love a nice green Shamrock Shake...being so close to St Patty's Day and all...I figured they just had to have them.....ummm no. .. (so I went to plan B...root beers.)

"Now...I imagine its been years since I had one myself and think that the only other shake variation I can remember even vaguely may have been some kinda banana concoction...but the Shamrock Shake ....the green nectar of the Gods.... now there was some powerful branding... So powerful in fact that I've been carrying around the subliminal seed of green milkshakes for decades waiting for the right time to pass it on to another generation.

"So I'm left wondering what happened to them? A mystery as great as what ever happened to the Grimmace's other set of arms......

"I found these links...maybe the "Smoking McChronicles" can investigate in depth:


The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image:
mpromo.com website

McDonald's Premium Roast Coffee: Kudos Abound


McChronicles field agent, Scott, filed this emotional report from his desk today.

"What do you notice about this pic? Its the absence of thousands of little creamer cups and ripped open packets of sugar.

McD mixed it for me to my spec.... a nice thing to not have to do myself when I'm driving in am traffic.

Premium roast....I'm lovin' it!
Scott"


Great job McDonald's. You've got cynical, hard-bitten, consumer-weary people shouting your praises.

The McChronicles particularly enjoys the very classy color scheme that you have selected. It feels dignified.

And the product ... this is just the right product to bring to market.

The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: Field reporter Scott.

Saturday, March 04, 2006

Mood Indigo

As you know, The McChronicles features the Flickr image tool on the left-hand side of the site. Occasionally we observe an image that is quite notable. Sometimes it is notable for being, shall we say, curious. Other times an image can be captivating.

Ladies and gentlemen, may we introduce one of the most captivating McDonald's images we have seen in quite some time. Please meet "Mood Indigo" by Kate Blood (copyright 2006 all rights reserved). More of her work can be found at Kate Blood's Flickr site. From what we gather this McDonald's restaurant is in or near San Jose, California.

Of further interest is the "neon/signs" photo group that this image was tagged to. The McChronicles set this up as a slide show and was captivated.

The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: "Mood Indigo" Kate Blood copyright 2006 all rights reserved.

Anaheim, California (near Disney)

From Atlanta we jetted over to Anaheim to look over a store that we had heard about. This McDonald's is noted for being just outside Disneyland.

This store, at 1500 harbor Drive, is big, clean, and pleasant. The McChronicles arrived quite late in the evening, and the store was nearly empty. We prefer the thriving hustle and bustle, but this store still had a warm feeling to it.

Once again we experienced ingredient branding as we saw Dippin' Dots featured n a poster.

The most interesting feature was the McDonald's gift shop. It is tiny, almost not worth mentioning, but still - we felt it was a cool idea.

The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Images: The McChronicles.

Personality

The McChronicles heard rumor of a drive-thru crew member with awesome personality. We headed to Atlanta, Georgia - to the McDonald's #8005 on Ponce deLeon in midtown. Sure enough, there she was, the woman with the warm personality and happy face.

But that wasn't all that was interesting. This store also features some unusual promo signage. Diners are encouraged to "Refresh Yourself" with Fruitopia and Powerade. This ingredient branding is rare in a McDonald's.

We were also treated to a large dose of CNN on the store's big flat panel television.
But that's not all!!! The store also offers up a kiddies game area. Wow! Something for everyone. And it's all served up with a dose of personality that is so remarkable that we simply had to make the trip.

The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Images: The McChronicles