McDonald's is spending $1 billion to spruce up its restaurants in a move, that some say, will make them look more like a Starbucks. But will any of its regular customers care?
As much as people probably embrace that they can now get a latte for a bit cheaper at McDonald's than some other outlets, we doubt that the chain's customers really go there for anything inventive or how the place looks. What they want are the familiar burgers and fries that McDonald's offers, with the occasional McRib thrown in.
In fact, making the place look like a Starbucks could actually dissuade consumers. As it stands now, McDonald's is a safe place to subdue the kids when they are freaking out. If the place looks more "adult," then parents might be more reluctant to take children amped up after a soccer game.
Additionally, management seems to want people to linger in this new space after their meal, similar to a Starbucks. Well, if that is encouraged, good luck competing with teenagers for seats to get your work done.
We're not saying that the restaurants should look like dumps. But why would McDonald's want to try to act like a Starbucks or a Panera Bread, when it is so obviously dominating the fast-food burger world?
But maybe you shouldn't listen to us. We thought that Amazon.com was going overboard when it branched out beyond music and books.
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