Will McDonald's Adopt Coca Cola's "Beverage Dispeners of the Future"?

Coca Cola has introduced what some are calling the "beverage dispenser of the future".

According to an article on QSRmagazine.com:

“We believe this will do for beverages what mp3 did for music,” says Ray Crockett, director of communications for Coca-Cola North America.

"Customers can choose their beverages—among more than 100 varieties—via a touch screen located on the front of the machine"

"Second-generation versions of the dispensers will begin testing in the first half of 2009"


Wow! Imagine choosing from a selection of over 100 beverages! No more need to mix Coke & orange.

Will we see these in McDonald's soon? It sure sounds like it. If you spot one in action, check it out and report to us via COMMENT. Thanks!

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: QSRmagazine.com

McDonald's Gold Card (Revisited)

The McChronicles has mused about the McDonald's Gold Card previously. At the time it was called The McDonald's McGold Card. A recent comment on the posting has us reopening the topic.

The McChronicles has to admit that we are intrigued by this item, and that we have no personal experience with it. So, we did what any responsible netizen would do and Googled McDonald's Gold Card. We were quickly delivered to the McD Gold Card home page - there is a complete program!

We attempted to register, only to find that, "Only McDonald's employees are authorized to use this site. " So, it is an employee-only thing.

Apparently the card is a way to help employees get discounts at various retail stores. One page that you CAN access on the site offers a depiction of how the card can save the user over $500. According to the example, the McDonald's Gold Card can be used at places like: Apple, Foot Locker, Jiffy Lube, LensCrafters, T-Mobile, and more.

This seems great for the employees.

The McChronicles wonders if McDonald's has ever considered offering an affinity, discount, membership card for customers to use. We think that this could be kind of cool, if done properly. What do you think?

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: McDGoldCard website.

Taipei's Yong An Market Metro Station McDonald's

Taipei has a pretty good Metro (subway) system. Most times, when you get off a train, there is a McDonald's nearby. The Yong An Metro Station is the perfect example. As you emerge, the McDonald's is right across the street - perfect.

This store is a four-story facility with steep, daunting stairs. The McChronicles expected the top level to be pretty empty (assuming that few would dare to tackle all three sets of stairs). Wrong. Every floor was filled to near capacity.

During our visit, the energy was subdued on all levels. There is little of note to report on this particular store. It covered all the bases fairly well (good order area, good service, etc.) but it could stand to be a bit cleaner.

The McChronicles (sadly) noted the presence of the dreaded straw dispenser. We have railed against this germ bomb in many postings and will take this opportunity to encourage the elimination of this feature again. It is totally disgusting to watch kids touch whatever, then play with the straw dispenser. Yuk!

The McChronicles really enjoys these city McDonald's that offer bird's eye views of the streetscape.

PS: We have noted these cool "i'm lovin' it" uniform shirts and hats throughout the Taipei area.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated wityh, McDonald's.
Images: The McChronicles.

Taiwan's Chung Ho City (Sheng Nan Rd.) McDonald's

The McChronicles dropped in to Taiwan's Chung Ho City (near Taipei) and headed for Sheng Nan Road. That's where this McDonald's is located.

This store is interesting since it combines several funky features all into one restaurant. First, it is a McCafe and a regular store all in one. Next, instead of a drive-thru it offers a walk-up. But it's not an ordinary walk-up, it's sort of a "scooter-up" (you don't actually drive thru in your scooter, you drive up , get off, order, then drive off or eat on the sidewalk). It's a big, urban-type store (small ground floor presence with a multi-(3)story dining area). Add it all up and the experience is pretty cool. Interestingly, this store offers no deivery and no bottled water.

The first-floor order area feels very small and tight. No problem when the crowd is small (it could be a mess if a ton of people show up). The stairs are steep as they lead to the second and third floors. Since the building occupies a corner space there are windows (and tons of natural light) everywhere. This, and the Taipei suburb's teeming masses, make for some extremely interesting people watching while dining.

It's a relief to ascend to the dining area and relax since the street is throbbing with energy. Cars, trucks, scooters, people, smells, sounds, and more add up to almost numb the senses. Behind the glass, and one or more stories above the fray, is a bit of solitude, providing time to unwind and relax - even if it just for a few minutes.

If you're in the neighborhood and in need of a break - consider this option.

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

McDonald's Girl Delivers

It may be news to some (not to regular readers of The McChronicles) that McDonald's delivers. Maybe not in your town, but there are places in this world where your meal can be brought right to your home, office, party, event, or ... ?

We've explored the concept of McDelivery before. But, today, while sitting in a Shanghai, China McDonald's, after observing several delivery people returning to the roost, grabbing their next order, and heading out into the streets, it hit us. Who are these people? Why do they do it? What's it like McDelivering? Sadly, we didn't get to ask the questions, yet.

The McChronicles did build up a healthy dose of curiosity and interest. We also snapped these shots of "McDonald's Girl" as she prepared to battle the dangerous streets of Shanghai. 

As she disappeared into the drizzling summer haze we found ourselves saying out loud, "Go, McDonald's girl, go."

We'll try for an interview and report back if we get one.

Comment if you've got a cool McDelivery or McDonald's Girl story.

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

Images: The McChronicles.

McDonald's Changning Road, Shanghai, China

The McDonald's on Shanghai's Changning Road (corner with Dingxi Lu) is interesting to the McChronicles.

Is it huge? No.

Beautiful? No.

Super clean? No

Does it provide awesome service? No.

So, what is it that piques our interest? Surprisingly, it is the total

"averageness" (if there is such a word).

The Changning Road store is a place that hosts international business travelers, tourists, school children, families, and even the occasional gaggle of retired women (the EXACT group that people say will reject McDonald's in China).

Walk in the door and the counter is right in your face. Quick looks right and left reveal the first-floor dining areas. The stairs to the 2nd-floor dining area and rest rooms is immediately to your left.

The seating is typical, the counter area is typical, the floor is the same faux-wood ceramic that is experienced so often worldwide.

This store can get busy, and it can be slow. The McChronicles dropped in at

11:30AM, dodging the noon rush by a bit, and experiencing a crew that had a little breathing room.

We were greeted with smiles, a routine welcome, and proactive help as our meal was selected. We were "processed" as if there were 100 people in line behind us (told to move to the side and wait for our order - The McShuffle), even though we were the only customer - habit we guess.

We chose to sit beside a table of four retired women to see how they enjoyed their McDonald's experience. They seemed to have one mode: everyone talk and laugh at the same time!

OK, so this McDonald's is "average". We had expectations, they were met, we received what we wanted - and it was good. Sometimes it's not so bad being average.

For those interested in McDonald's prices in China, The McChronicles paid 5.5 Chinese RMB (renminbe: the peoples' money) for a hamburger and RMB4.0 for bottled water. Today 1 US dollar is approximately equal to 6.8 RMB.

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

Images: The McChronicles.

Suzhou China's Wei Ting McDonald's

McDonald's rolled into China years ago by landing in the big cities. Eventually, McDonald's was known to exist only in large urban centers. Sensible after all since this is where the people are and the money is.

Fast-forward to today, where we now encounter McDonald's OUTSIDE of major cities. The McChronicles just visited one such restaurant in the townwhip of Wei Ting, outside of Suzhou, in China. Located in the Qing Jian Hu Commercial Plaza, this store caters primarily to people on the go, in cars, on business, or on their way to somewhere else.

Managed by HU Xin Kun, this McDonald's is simply excellent. The exterior is neat and inviting. It has great curb appeal and can be seen easily from the road. Once inside it hits you, this place is really clean (critical for weary travelers and those looking for a relaxing place to grab a quick bite to eat). The atmosphere is quite different from city McDonald's as it is notably quieter and more relaxed. Even the crew have a more dignified demeanor (when compared to the harried city McDonald's staff).

The McChronicles asked some business people who were lunching here to describe this McDonald's and to compare it to other types of McDonald's found in China. The customers quickly categorized this store as "more for business people", "more professional", and "quieter".

This store offers up a spartan, crisp ambiance, complete with tons of windows, natural light, and great views of the area. The seating is ecclectic with benches, stools, chairs, private areas, open tables, and more. You can even surf the internet or check your emails on the three cyber-stations provided free of charge.

The McChronicles shuddered at the sight of the ultra-old-style straw dispenser/germ spreader that is found frequently in China McDonald's. A repeat request: McDonald's, please ban these (for motivation, sit down and watch the straw-dispensing action when a bunch of children show up for a Saturday lunch party).

The Wei Ting McDonald's is a real gem, and highly recommended by The McChronicles. Do check it out.

The McChronicles: a blog about, npot affiliated with, McDonald's.
Images: The McChronicles.

McDonald's Drive-Thru: First-Time Experience in China

Remember your very FIRST McDonald's drive-thru moment? Of course you don't ... that is unless it just happened. This exact experience is occurring for thousands of people every day in China.

As reported by The McChronicles, McDonald’s has been opening drive-thrus in China as the population moves up to car ownership.

The McChronicles was fortunate to accompany a college-educated, business professional on her very first drive-thru (McDonald's or otherwise) experience today. We noticed that, as we were leaving a McDonald's dine-in lunch, our friend, let's call her "Daisy", expressed some confusion as to just what the strange driveway was doing in the parking lot. As the "drive-thru" concept was explained it became clear that the idea was totally unknown to her. The more it was explained, the more confused Daisy became. So, we wheeled the vehicle around and drove thru.

Coming from the perspective where this moment is beyond taken for granted, it was exhilarating to "experience" it for the first time through Daisy's eyes.

When we dropped Daisy back at her office and described the experience to her colleagues, most were totally unfamiliar with the concept. More work to do!

PS: It was a thrill and an honor to capture Daisy's first-ever McDonald's drive-thru experience. The McChronicles considers this a very special once-in-a lifetime moment.

PPS: Daisy's first-ever drive-thru order? Orange juice.

Please comment and share YOUR first McDonald's drive-thru experience.

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

McDonald's In The Magic Kingdom

The McChronicles spent a little time in Disney World last week (Orlando, Florida). While in the area we visited Downtown Disney and the McDonald's there.

We also entered The Magic Kingdom and looked for McDonald's. All we found was the opportunity to buy McD french fries, McNuggets, and McFlurries.

This was a bit disappointing (we were Jonesing for a full McDonald's meal). Additionally, we couldn't help but feel that McDonald's is putting their worst foot forward with some of the most assailable, low-health items. With a collection of much healthier items available it is, of course, possible to offer up some of the good stuff. We're guessing that Disney has a very heavy hand in what McDonald's can, and can't do, in the park.

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

Downtown Disney McDonald's

The McChronicles took a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida last week. While there we dropped by the McDonald's in "Downtown Disney".

For all the traffic the store looked pretty nice. Sure, it could have been a bit neater, but the traffic is pretty wild. We were expecting a more "Disney" theme and were surprised when the store wasn't too specially decorated. That said, it was there when we needed it, and looking pretty good.

Images: The McChronicles.

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

A Little Order With My Order

The McChronicles frequents the Chicago airport and is familiar with many (not all) of the McDonald's there. We have a suggestion that could create a win:win scenario at these locations.

THE ISSUE:
These busy airport McDonald's can have a big line of customers all in need of speedy and accurate service. Since real estate is expensive, the McDonald's have small counters that get clogged with customers, order takers, orders, etc (Image 1: The O'Hare Airport Hall "C" McDonald's on a good day). Once an order is placed, the customer (sometimes) is told that their order number is on the receipt and that we are to listen for our number to be called. We are then left to disapear back into the crowd and await our message. This is the lowest form of the McShuffle. Customers, many of whom speak English as a second language, stand in the crowded, noisy airport terminal, occasionally not knowing what wil lhappen next, listening to McDonald's crew members screaming out numbers. We aren't sure if we heard things correctly, if our number has been called and we missed it, etc. The crew get frustrated when we don't step up and claim our order promptly. There is usually a lot of yelling, confusion, and bad experiences. The McChronicles has even seen a crew member placed into the crowd to help relay the number shouting and to help customers spawn their way back to the counter through a throng of increasingly disgruntled people waiting for THEIR number to be called. What does this all tell you?

THE SUGGESTION:

The crew all look at a flat panel that tells them which orders are in process (Image 2). Why not make a similar (but larger) screen available to the customers? That way we can all watch the screen and track our order. And, the crew can be sure that their announcement is made clearly. This could add some dignity and confidence to the situation - improving the experience for both the customer and the crew.

Images: The McChronicles

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

Wall Street (Manhattan) McDonald's

OK, it's not really on Wall Street, it's on Broad Street, but it's where the Wall Street crowd hangs when they feel the need for a McD hookup.

A FOTM (friend of The McChronicles) - let's refer to him as "code name: Ian" - accepted an assignment and dropped by the financial headquarter's McDonald's this week. Here is his report, accompanied by some photos he captured with his phone, now known as "the McDonald's cam":

From the outside the "Wall Street" (actually Broad Street) McDonald's looks more like a bank or brokerage firm, however, upon entry you realize that it is surely your regular old McDonald's. The urban myth that there are waiters and table service in the "Wall Street" McDonald's is simply not true. The service format is just like every
McDonald's location I have been to.

There are several notable things that distinguish this location from others. First, diners can sit and look out the big front windows and see tourists and commuters streaming off of the Staten Island Ferry. If you're lucky (as I was today) you might catch a concert going on in front of the One New York Building across the street. Another impressive feature of this McDonald's is its large capacity. Although meager when compared to the Times Square (Manhattan) location, the upstairs dinning room has seating for over 200 hundred people.

The one thing I found most impressive is McDonald's unyielding commitment to add a touch of local culture to its restaurants. In true New York fashion, the "Wall Street" McDonald's was crowded, loud, and, instead of service with a smile, you are more likely to get service with scowl and an undistinguishable accent.

Overall I enjoyed my experience, even though there is nothing truly special about this location. I would definitely leave it off a world tour of the coolest McDonald's (the Times Square restaurant would probably be the top priority while in NYC). If you're looking for a place to eat lunch to "get away", or to plain old avoid all the stuffy Wall Street types, this is the place to go. I would even go as far as to say it is the melting pot of the financial district with a more socio-economically diverse crowd than the upscale soup and sandwich places that are ubiquitous in this section of New York City.

Thanks, Ian (code name). Speaking for The McChronicles fans worldwide, we appreciate your insight into this intriguing McDonald's restaurant.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Images: FOTM "Ian"

HOT McNUGGETS? No Problem For This Mom

Amanda H. at the SHAMELESSLY SASSY blog is a mom on the go.

She's also a mom with a secret ... she feeds her young daughter the occasional McDonald's McNugget - in the car!

At first this doesn't seem too surprising .. until she reveals how she overcomes the "too hot" McNugget before presenting it to her backseat, strapped-in child. It is a bit surprising to learn that she jams the McNuggets into her car's AC vents!

Most surprising are the numerous comments that cropped up after she made this revealing admission. Wow! There are a lot of like-minded McNugget-cooling people out there. Who would have thought?

Though nearly ALL comments are positive and supportive, at least one person was a little sympathetic to the car.

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

Image: screen grab from shamelessly sassy blog.

McDonald's Olympic Champion Crew Videos

The following info was submitted to The McChronicles by Joe Curry, Supervisor, Global Web Communications, Corporate Communications, McDonald's Corporation:
::::::::::::::::

For the Beijing Games, McDonald’s invited the Olympic Champion Crew to create a short video expressing their Olympic spirit in just five words. The top 25 videos have been posted to http://osom.mcdonalds.com and will be displayed online for four weeks leading up to the Olympic Games where the public can vote for their favorites. The winners will be announced in Beijing.

About the Olympic Champion Crew
As the largest employer in the quick service restaurant industry, McDonald’s has a rich history of providing opportunities to the 1.6 million people they employ worldwide. The McDonald’s Olympic Champion Crew program is a unique example of the recognition, reward and opportunities the company provides its employees. For the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, 1,400 of McDonald’s best-of-the-best restaurant employees from 36 countries will travel to Beijing to serve the world’s best athletes and thousands of others at McDonald’s four new Olympic venue restaurants. While in China, the crew will experience the excitement of the Games, visit cultural sites and meet their peers from around the world.
::::::::::::::::

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: screen grab of McDonald's Olympic Champion Crew logo.

Ensenada, Mexico

The McChronicles enjoyed a week on the Pacific coast in Ensenada, Mexico. While there we encountered a McDonald's with a special feature. This store has a street-side counter that sells ice cream.

In this party town this is an awesome feature. With people walking up and down the main street, stopping by the McDonald's window is just what the doctor ordered - especially on a sultry summer's day ... or night.

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

Image: The McChronicles

Rosemont, Illinois McDonald's: Always A Delight

Quoting The McChronicles: Rosemont Rocks!

We said that a while back, after our first visit to this awesome McDonald's. This store has some magic - and every McDonald's should tune in and try to grab some for themselves. Here's the deal:

Walking into the store, it seems like any other - nothing special. Then, you notice the cleanliness - this place is really tidy. Second, you spot the crew - bright, white shirts ... ties ... clean hair ... smiles ... very professional looking. They look you in the eye, they speak politely. They seem happy. Mind you, this is all going on at 9:30 PM on a Tuesday night.

You sit at your table enjoying your meal, and you see that the crew works very well together. They respect each other, they say "please" and "thank you" to each other. They smile and joke. And they work! One young man was taking drive-thru orders on his headset, typing in the orders, AND cleaning the counter. He also delivered the order.

The condiment area (always a McChronicles concern) is super tidy (just like the last visit).

The McChronicles chatted with a young crew member who shared that this store is run by a man named Denny Stabile. We were told that the management inspires the crew to relax and be themselves. Denny obviously shows a lot of respect and appreciation to his team - because that's what shows through to the customer. This young man also shared that he counts all the crew as friends - he makes a point to chat with coworkers on the way into his shift, as well as on the way home when new crew are coming in. Kudos to Denny for teaching this team these great skills, and for enabling them to share them with the customers.

The McChronicles would like to say a huge THANKS to the owners, managers, and crew of the Rosemont McDonald's. They set the bar very high - and show us how a McDonald's experience should play out.

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

Images: The McChronicles.

Chicago O'Hare Airport McDonald's: Terminal H

The McChronicles usually flies UNITED through Chicago. This time it was decided to take American Airlines - the result was a visit to TERMINAL "H" and a new McDonald's experience.

This McDonald's is in a delightful food court - very bright and well decorated. There are plenty of places to eat and it is quite clean.

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

Images: The McChronicles.

RIP Herb Peterson

Who hasn't enjoyed an Egg McMuffin?

Well, sadly, the inventor of that delightful creation has passed. Herb Peterson introduced breakfast to the fast food industry - and was well-known as a person who truly loved McDonald's.


According to an article in the International Herald Tribune:

The Egg McMuffin made its debut at a restaurant in Santa Barbara that Peterson
co-owned with his son, David Peterson.

Rest in pease, Herb.


The McChronicles:a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: SouthernLedger.com

Branding The Beach

Look at the top image. Wow! What a crowded beach. It is reported to be Haeundae Beach in Busan, South Korea. Note the red umbrellas. Notice anything special?

Now take a peek at the bottom two images. Wow!

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Images: floristone.com