I'm Wearin' It (not)

As usual, our good friends at Fastfoodweblog have tipped us off to something exciting. Seems McDonald's nostalgia has become one of this Spring's fashion "must haves".

According to an article in Pittsburgh's post-gazette.com, "One of the hippest designs showing up on must-have fashion lists for spring doesn't come from Prada or Marc Jacobs. Instead, it is a line of vintage T-shirts emblazoned with a McDonald's logo."

Well, The McChronicles was down with that until we read a bit further and learned that we'd all have to cough up US$55 per shirt. No way!

Of course, we learned that the target audience is high-income, fashion-conscious hipsters (not our crowd). The article quoted Mary Dillon, McDonald's global chief marketing officer, as saying, "It's just trying to find more-authentic ways to connect with this crowd".

A similar article appeared in the Wall Street Journal online. We grabbed this image from their site.

The McChronicles would love to see some retro McDonald's shirts available to the company's core market - people who spend significantly less than $55 on a t-shirt. We'd love that.

UPDATE: After a little online research, The McChronicles uncovered these online options for scoring a McDonald's t-shirt on the cheap:

• 80sTees.com
• Way2Be.com

The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: The Wall Street Journal online website.

The McDonald's You Don't Know

Squidoo is a website that allows people to make "their own "lenses" on their favorite stuff and ideas". One of the coolest "lenses" is about, you guessed it, McDonald's!

This lens, called The McDonald's You Don't Know, is written by Steve Wilson, McDonald's Senior Director of Web Communications. He introduces the site as follows:

"The golden arches are a global icon and a familiar part of many local landscapes. Most of us have frequented more than a few of the restaurants during our lifetime and with 1.5 million working for brand McDonald's, many of us have worked there too. So it easy to believe that we know all there is to know about McDonald's but that would be just scratching the surface. This lens is dedicated to presenting a comprehensive, positive perspective. It is a work in progress..."

The McChronicles has communicated with Steve (briefly) and he seems like a very good guy. His lens on McDonald's minutia is very interesting in and of itself. We spent quite a while poking around, exploring the many links, and learning some cool stuff. One interesting tidbit: "Astronaut Dr. Leroy Chiao, Amazon.com founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis, and many other well-known leaders started working in McDonald's restaurants. "
We were flattered to find a link to The McChronicles. Thank you for that, Steve.

This site is worth a look. Have fun.

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

Appreciation

Flickr is a great photo sharing tool. People use it for many purposes. One cool way that The McChronicles has seen it used is to share and enjoy images of various McDonald's restaurant designs.

The person behind this is named mckroes, and we suggest you check out their interesting collection of McDonald's store images. Most images are of stores in Europe, particularly The Netherlands (a truly beautiful country and people).

mckroes says, "McDonald's isn't all the same. Every McDonald's is unique in it's own way." The McChronicles shares this level of appreciation. Thanks mckroes!

A smaller but more international collection of McDonald's photos appears in francoishavard35's Flickr account. The McChronicles enjoys the comments on this site (not to mention the exotic locations, like Marrakesh and Paris) .

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

McDonald's Global Casting Call

McDonald's Senior Director of Web Communications, Mr. Steve Wilson, reminds The McChronicles readers to check out the McDonald's Global Casting Call site. It is an opportunity for you to get your picture on McDonald's bags and cups next year.

Just direct your browser to http://www.mcdglobalcasting.com/ and let the creative juices flow.

The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: McDonald's Global Casting logo, from the McDonald's website.

The "Big Mac Index"

Did you know that economists use the local value of a McDonald's Big Mac as a guide for evaluating currency?

The Economist magazine's website reveals the details behind this intriguing fact. The Big Mac Index (a part of "Burgernomics") is explained on the site as follows:

"Burgernomics is based on the theory of purchasing-power parity, the notion that a dollar should buy the same amount in all countries. Thus in the long run, the exchange rate between two countries should move towards the rate that equalises the prices of an identical basket of goods and services in each country. Our "basket" is a McDonald's Big Mac, which is produced in about 120 countries. The Big Mac PPP is the exchange rate that would mean hamburgers cost the same in America as abroad. Comparing actual exchange rates with PPPs indicates whether a currency is under- or overvalued. "

The McChronicles particularly enjoyed the video clip on the topic.

As this table indicates, you can buy a Big Mac in China for only US$1.30 but will have to pay nearly US$5.00 for it in Sweden. These values change daily as currency values fluctuate.

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

McDonald's Videos

Check out the McDonald's clips on Google Video. 118 at this posting.

This feature will likely explode as video on line burgeons.

The McChronicles: A blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: Screen grab from Google.

Fighting Through The Clutter

There is a ton of competition for a person's attention on the streets of China. The McChronicles grabbed this image while walking the streets of Shenzhen in southern China.

In this case, customers are guided as to where and how to cross the extremely busy street so they can get to the store.

The classic McDonald's red and yellow logo colors are extremely similar to the traditional Chinese red and yellow which are used in great abundance throughout the country. This really teases The McChronicles' subconscious as it seems like there might be a McDonald's at every turn. In this case, we were not disappointed.

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

The McChronicles Meets Its Waterloo

The Waterloo, NY McDonald's (store #3481) offers up a convenient, clean, and festive environment in which to eat. Additionally, it features a huge, outdoor Play Place. Parents and kids will really dig that.

Unfortunately, The McChronicles recent visit to this store didn't go too well. Here's why:

• Issue #1: We enquired as to the differences between the three salads. The crew person didn't know or couldn't articulate them. The manager, when asked to join in, did a great job of describing the differences.
• Issue #2: The salad and a Big Mac took several minutes to be delivered. We didn't time this experience (and we know that it always seems longer than the actual time turns out to be), but it seemed to take about 5 minutes. The crew was even complaining to the grill people about it.

When it all arrived the food tasted great, and was prepared perfectly.

This store features the previously-mentioned outdoor Play Place (a curious choice for the climatically-challenged Upstate New York region) and a few large, cheerful, McDonald's-themed murals on the walls. It was fairly clean, bright, and cheerful. The large flat-panel TVs are a nice touch.

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

Images: The McChronicles.

Singapore's Jurong Super Bowl McDonald's: Nice

When a person is out in the industrial west side of Singapore and hankerin' for a McDonald's meal, the Jurong Super Bowl McDonald's is the perfect spot to pick.

The McChronicles likes this store for its convenient location, the polite and capable crew, and for the clean dining room.

At first glance, there doesn't seem to be anything special about this store, but the details begin to grow on you after a while. Speedy, clean, friendly, bright ... just what we all expect and hope for. Not what we always get at McDonald's.

Count on the Jurong Super Bowl store to meet your expectations for a great spot to eat.

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

Chicago's O'Hare Airport International Arrivals McDonald's

The McChronicles remains puzzled as to why McDonald's doesn't spruce up their store that is situated on the traveler's right as they emerge from customs at Chicago's O'Hare Airport.

This store ( not a restaurant - a walk-up only) always seems to look like it isn't quite done with construction. Maybe it's the color scheme, or maybe it is due to the airport property that is adjacent to the store front. Whatever it is, The McChronicles feels that this facility reflects poorly on the company's image.

That said, it is AWESOME to know that the minute you emerge from customs after a long flight, you can immediately grab a McDonald's meal. The location is completely awesome. Thanks for that!

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

Singapore's Tanglin Mall: Still Kind of Poor

Singapore's Tanglin Mall McDonald's is a very convenient store - and it exists in a fairly high-scale area. So why does it consistently disappoint?

As The McChronicles has noted in the past, the decor is uninspired, and the interior is very noisy (due to hard walls and glass). Additionally, the crew does little to keep the place sparkling clean. The service seems below average, too.

It wouldn't be too hard to benchmark some of the local stores that do it right. We wonder why they don't.

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

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

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.

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:

• http://aaronhurley.org/
• http://www.tiktok.org/shamrock/index.htm
• http://www.tiktok.org/shamrock/response.htm

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.

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