Prepare to be Unionized

Fast food industry isn't donating to Donald Trump - Business Insider

Egg McMuffin Video Features Operator David Peterson

McDonalds' Web Series Shows Customers Where its Food Comes From
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McDonald’s and Dunkin Franchisees

As has been pointed out, there are differences between McDonald's and Dunkin franchisees.

BlueMauMau discusses the two franchise systems
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Three Struggling Restaurant Chains Scramble for Answers

Nation's Restaurant News Reports
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Hoffmann's Departure

Here's what they told Wall Street

I guess reporters won't be writing about their "deep bench" anymore.

WSJ estimates Hoffmann gave up $6 million by refusing non-compete
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McDonald’s High Growth President Leaves Chain

Another accountant bites the dust - NRN reports
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What's Up With OPNAD?

Why all the arm twisting to get OPNAD back in the discounting and price fixing business?

In about forty days McDonald's USA is going to be up against one of the balmiest, warmest, zero snow winters in recorded history. Management knows that a normal or even a mild 
winter could send sales negative. As usual the only Oak Brook answer is more discounting 
and couponing.

Can OPNAD stand up to the pressure?
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Chipotle is losing customers to McDonald's

Business Insider reports

21 States Join in Lawsuit Over DOL Overtime Rules

“Once again, President Obama is trying to unilaterally rewrite the law”
- Texas AG Ken Paxton

21 states join in lawsuit over DOL overtime rules
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Don't Miss these McDonald's Operator Comments

Thanks to those Operators who put the work into making the comments posted HERE
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Innovation - The Fast Lane to Menu Bloat

"The pace of innovation at McDonald's seems to be accelerating," Kalinowski wrote.

Fast food menu tests suggest upscale items could be coming to McDonald's, Wendy's
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Speaking of McDonald's Operators

It's been 2 weeks since stunning changes in McDonald's USA management were announced. 
While I haven't communicated with every McDonald's Operator I've heard from enough to 
form a consensus of their opinions about the move:

1 - Appointing a new hire with ZERO McDonald's operational experience as President of McDonald's USA indicates that management and the board of directors no longer prioritize 
Quality, Service, Cleanliness, or restaurant profitability.

2 - Appointing someone with ZERO franchising experience as President of McDonald's USA indicates that management and the board of directors has no respect for the Operator community or interest in relations with that community. Any yokel can handle McDonald's Operators.

3 - It doesn't really matter because McDonald's USA presidents come and go so fast they 
don't have much impact on the system. The real damage will be done by the people who 
made this decision.
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September 14, 2016

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Fast-food giant McDonald's Corp (MCD.N) has received final offers from at least three bidding groups for its China and Hong Kong outlets, with global private equity firms Carlyle Group (CG.O) and TPG Capital teaming up with Chinese partners for the business worth up to $3 billion, sources told Reuters.

Carlyle has joined with Chinese state conglomerate CITIC Group, while TPG has teamed up with mini-market operator Wumart Stores on their separate bids, said the sources, who declined to be named.

Real estate firm Sanpower Group also made an offer for the assets. The company has previously said it was teaming up with Beijing Tourism Group.

TPG and Carlyle declined to comment on their final bids, while CITIC, Wumart and Sanpower didn't return requests for comment during a holiday in mainland China.

McDonald's reiterated a previous comment that it is making progress in finding a long-term partner for the assets.

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Will Cannabis Legalization Blaze McDonald's Sales?

The 'munchies' effect: How cannabis legalization will effect QSR traffic - QSRWeb
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CEO - Popeyes Turnaround Fanchisee Based

The CEO of Popeyes on Treating Franchisees as the Most Important Customers
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More on Menu Prices Directly From NPD Group

Menu Price Hikes, Telecommuters, Shopping Online Contribute to Lunch Declines
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Fast-Casual Customers Priced Out of Lunch

Are Price Hikes Killing Lunch? - βurgerβusiness
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More McDownsizing

Chatter on Twitter says Lisa McComb, Director of U.S. media relations is leaving McDonald's.
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Forbes on McDonald's China

Why McDonalds & KFC are Turning to Local Investors to Survive in China
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Blue MauMau Comments on Bloomberg Article

McDonald’s Pushes Out Small Fry Franchisees - BlueMauMau
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Business Insider Reports on Previous Bloomberg Article

McDonald's is squeezing some franchisees out of business
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How Much Is McDonald's Really Worth?

We don't usually post Motley Fool articles because they are often, well, foolish.
But this one is pretty lucid and interesting.

How Much Is McDonald's Really Worth? -- The Motley Fool
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Remember When Ackman Was After MCD Real Estate?

Wall Street 'cannot fathom' Bill Ackman, Pershing square Chipotle - BI

WSJ on Ackman & Chipotle
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As We Enjoy Labor Day ...

... let's remember that if the wrong person gets elected as POTUS, by the end of four years 
there will be many unionized McDonald's in the USA. If the wrong person gets re-elected 
in 2020 most McDonald's in the USA will be unionized.
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McDonald's Needs a Yummier China Plan

Bloomberg reports from China
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Nothing's Simple

Even with the incredible, edible egg - Forbes
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Not News To McDonald's Operators

McDonald’s Is Pushing Out the Small Fries - Bloomberg
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McD Pres. to Depart, Analyst Describes Timing as "Curious."

McDonald's U.S. President Mike Andres to depart - Crain's Chicago Business
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