(Courtesy of Lisa Padilla, Flickr)
The executives at McDonald’s headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois have laid down their arms, and I don’t blame them. They’ve been through a lot….
- They’ve had to endure wackos that have been insisting that the toys provided in McDonald’s Happy Meals are part of a predatory marketing ploy aimed at out nation’s children.
- They had to pay an elderly woman $400,000+ because they served her hot coffee
- A hooker blamed (and then sued), the McDonald’s corporation for turning her into a prostitute
- Two NY teenagers sued McDonald’s for making them obese
There are even more lawsuits like those, but why go there?
Some Reverse Psychology
I would have liked to be a fly on the wall during what must of been some rather “energetic” marketing strategy sessions in Oak Brook during the last few months.
That’s because of the recent decision that was made-and is now being implemented. They’ve really gone all-in.
In a bold move, McDonald’s has decided to, “List calorie information on restaurant and drive-thru menus nationwide to further inform and help customers and employees make nutrition-minded
choices.” Wow.
It’s a classic, “We’ll show you!” move.
For years and years, concerned Mommies have been hammering on McDonald’s to serve healthier foods…or at least disclose the calorie counts in what they’re serving. To McDonald’s credit, they have not been running and hiding. But, this move is risky, and it could backfire.
Or Not
I enjoy a McDonald’s hamburger. I always have. Their french fries aren’t too shabby either. I don’t think that “seeing” the amount of calories that I’m shoving down my throat displayed on a sign are going to deter me from going on my weekly trek to my local McDonald’s double drive-thru. But, it might.
Personally, I think that people looking for a convenient meal know what they’re getting when they choose to go to a fast food restaurant, anyway.
Could it stop Mom from taking her 4 year-old there more than a couple of times? Maybe.
For me, I’m not going to stop eating fast food until I’m ready to. It’s my choice.
And, as long as I always have a choice, I’m good.
What do you think? Will the new menu that display calorie counts deter you from eating a Big Mac?
Is McDonald’s doing the right thing? Is it a good business decision?
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Carol Tice - Writer says
September 19, 2012 at 5:51 pmHi Joel – as it happens, my teen is working at McDonald’s now, so when I came in to pick him up the other night I noticed they had the calorie-disclosure menus taped right to the counter where you order.
Personally, I think it’s great, and they’re smart to get out in front of this and be seen as up-front and transparent, rather than the chains that are going to drag their heels until the last minute they can get away with not complying with this new disclosure law.
Also, there are a surprising number of things there under 300 calories! Yes, many people will be eating 3-4 of those things in a sitting…but still.
The Franchise King says
September 19, 2012 at 6:58 pmThanks, Carol,
I’m sure that working at McDonald’s will be a great experience-in the long run for your son.
It’s a bold move for a company that isn’t known to make too many mistakes.
JL
Carol Tice - Writer says
September 19, 2012 at 8:30 pmAnd I’m back just hours later to report that the good PR for it is already starting to roll in for Mickey D’s – http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/shareholders-applaud-mcdonalds-move-to-list-calorie-information-on-menus-170228106.html
The Franchise King says
September 20, 2012 at 12:46 amThanks! And, I’m honored that you have stopped by to comment twice in a 24-hour period!
JL