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Showing posts with label McDonald's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label McDonald's. Show all posts

Monday, August 1, 2011

Original Pantry...former Mayor Riordan ups java stakes! 50 cents a cup, please!





For many residents in downtown Los Angeles the coffee shop to trek off to for a hearty breakfast at the crack-of-dawn is the Original Pantry at 9th and Figueroa Streets.

Until July 1st of this year, a free cup of java has also been a time-honored tradition since the original owner (Dewey Logan) first swung open the doors of the eight-four seat eatery in 1924.

But, escalating costs (coffee has risen more than 40% over the past few decades) forced former Mayor Riordan (the current proprietor) to hike the price of a cup of Joe to 50 cents during the bustling breakfast rush (between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m).

Throughout the day, though, a regular cup will put a dent in a customer's wallet to the tune of $1.95.

Gosh, that's as bad as Denny's, eh?

In spite of the surprise boost in price in recent weeks, the regulars at the Pantry haven't been complaining.

"Am I outraged?" one patron pointedly quizzed a roving reporter from the local daily.

"No. For years this has been an awesome place. If they need the extra 50 cents to help keep the doors open, that's OK with me," he beamed.

Riordan noted there were two advantages to the hike once the nominal charge was instituted.

"We didn't have to charge more for breakfast, and we no longer automatically pour coffee for everyone in the morning."

And, their tasty brew still sells below the cost of a Seniors Coffee at McDonalds.

The brass at the giant fast-food take-out must be pulling their hair out!

I was first introduced to the Original Pantry years ago when my Theatrical Agent treated me for breakfast there one fine morning.

Talk about a tasty mouth-watering breakfast with all the trimmings!

The cast of intriguing characters - who saunter in daily are a sight for the eyes - too!

See 'ya there!

http://www.thetattler.biz





Saturday, July 30, 2011

McDonalds...was it something I said? The Ice man cometh!





Did you hear the joke about the dude who swaggered into McDonalds for a Happy Meal one day?


When he attempted to fill his beverage cup with ice cubes, the machine at the busy fountain jammed up.

He half-turned and yelled to the staff at the counter:

"ICE"

Suddenly, without warning, all of the Latino workers dashed out the back door without looking back.
"Was it something I said," he wondered aloud to himself, as he stood alone in the empty fast-food outlet.

http://www.thetattler.biz


 



Sunday, June 26, 2011

Starbucks...at war with McDonalds over menu items! Oatmeal never looked so tasty!










 Those with a keen eye probably noticed that two giants in the fast-food industry have been competing neck-in-neck for the almighty dollar in recent days.


The tactics each corporate entity has been engaged in to lure customers includes copy-catting menu items, for starters.

For example, when Starbucks sales started to slump, the trendy coffee-house introduced a "breakfast" sandwhich startling similar to the Egg McMuffin that McDonalds rolls out at the crack-of-dawn each day.

Seattle's "egg & sausage" upstart is tastier, though (because the ingredients are fresher and higher-quality).

But, breakie-lovers at Starbucks pay through the nose for the treat.

Meanwhile, over in Kroc territory, execs started scheming to find a successful way to snag a hefty share of the lucrative specialty java market.

Bingo!

Back at the "breast", McCafe brands started to fly across the counter faster than the pimply-faced overweight servers could rustle 'em up!

Ever-mindful of their client base (and likewise their penny-pinching habits) the brass wisely priced their java beverages a buck-or-so less than those on tap at Starbucks.

Then, shortly after Starbucks started to rake in the cash on "Oatmeal" sales (a nourishing breakfast meal offered up in a snazzy cup with a juggernaut of zesty nuts, chewy raisins, and delicious brown sugar on top) the Quaker dude's product mysteriously showed up on the shelves at McDonalds out-of-the-blue one day.

Imagine that!

Unfortunately - in contrast - the cereal that McDonalds serves up to its customers is usually stone cold and brimming with tasteless apple chips, rubbery raisins, and icky sweetener.

Eugh!

Starbucks is not offering any French Fries on the menu - well - not yet.

But, just betcha, a home-cooked style potato side-dish (like Grandma used to whip up in her kitchen at sunrise) would sell well alongside the breakfast sandwich.

Can't wait!

http://www.thetattler.biz




Sunday, May 22, 2011

McDonald's...automated food servers! Cheap robot labor!




 




A few weeks ago, Tattler readers may recall that I was on the rag about the incompetence of employees - and their inability to communicate effectively with customers - the popular eatery.

Consumers who cruise into McDonald's daily have encountered a myriad of problems that range from troubling interactions with rude workers, communication difficulties that arise from the fact many employees don't speak fluent English, and cold tasteless meals that have been slapped togther without any concern for quality or customer satisfaction,

Post: 04/11/2011

http://ijulian.blogspot.com/2011/04/mcdonaldshiring-rude-non-english.html

In response, McDonald's top brass at the executive offices announced over the past week, that the fast-food outlet is about to introduce a fully-automated facility which will not require any contact with McDonald's employees!

According to News reports overseas, McDonald’s will be supplying 7,000 European outlets with a swipe card and touchscreen facilities. The idea is to make ordering a McDonald’s quicker, easier and more efficient for the customer.

Some cynics argue that this is a sly way for McDonald's to rustle up more revenue in a short period.

In tandem with the overhaul at the cash register, McDonald's intends to build a database of the most popular take-out items.

Although the visionary corporation has stumbled on solutions to a couple of dilemmas - the need to lower the cost of labor and increase sales - another problem may rear its ugly head in the aftermath.

Is it possible to turn out thousands of tasty meals daily - with Robots at the helm - and still manage to satisfy customers with menu items that are fresh, tasty, and something to write home about?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz





Thursday, April 7, 2011

McDonald's...hiring rude non-English speaking employees! Incompetent servers unfamiliar with Company Policy!







We pledge to insult and mistreat White Americans!






If you're looking for service with a smile - or expecting to be treated with some dignity and respect when you stroll into a restaurant for a meal - avoid McDonald's like the plague.

Used to be, there was a time in America when an individual's daily routine included a jaunt into the fast-food outlet for an egg McMuffin and a cup of java - before heading off to the office.

Now, consumers are turning away in droves (as studio movie mogul Samuel Goldwyn would say), because of questionable hiring practices at McDonald's designed to cut costs and garner bigger profits for the industry giant.

For instance, the company is hiring a multitude of uneducated poorly-trained immigrant workers - who speak little or no English - to wait on their once-loyal customer base.

Unfortunately, McDonald's staff have only been lightly trained to punch in orders on a cash register, and turn over change that has been computer generated.

For starters, that cause problems for hungry customers, who may encounter complaint issues that need to be addressed during the course of the meal.
If a problem arises over an order, for example - nine times out-of-ten - the counter server will not be able to converse in English with the individual intelligently (let alone resolve the complaint at hand).

In response, Latino workers tend to stand awkwardly on the spot with a blank stare on their face, trying to conceal their lack of English skills and their inability to fathom a resolution to a complaint issue.

The fact that the food is always cold and tasteless doesn't even enter the question at this point.

In addition to these glaring problems, last year I began to also notice a prevailing bad attitude among employees at McDonald's, which I originally chalked up to cultural differences.

However, when the Arizona controversies arose last year over a bold-faced effort by politicians to implement laws to stem the tide of  illegal immigrants, it was determined that Latinos were being taught in schools (with U.S. taxpayer monies) that middle-class white folks were not only the enemy (not to be trusted) but also responsible for their alleged oppression on these shores!

Many Mexicans take the position that California was once their land and that U.S. forces "stole" the state from their forefathers!

After that revelation, I trotted into McDonald's less frequently in the future, especially at the outlets where a larger percentage of the workers were disgruntled Latinos prone to mistreat white Americans.

The situation at McDonald's has progressed from bad to worse, I am sorry to say.

For instance, today - when an elderly Caucasian citizen waltzed up to the counter to ask for a refill - the Latino server rudely informed the older man that McDonald's no longer gave a second cup to individuals who purchased a coffee under the "Senior Coffee" discount offered up since the fast-food started up years ago.

Uh-huh!

This retired individual was being penalized for being a Senior!

Forget about any contributions the elderly may have made to society over the years.

Well, that appears to be the way Latino workers view the situation, anyway.

On another occasion, when a customer did not receive a newspaper they paid for at the counter with their meal, a second employee filling out the orders was unable to respond to the individual's demand for their San Francisco Chronicle because their English was so limited they didn't know what a "newspaper" was!

Imagine that!

The disgruntled patron was forced to call upon a supervisor to deliver it up!

McDonald's has fast-become a National joke!

The worst offenders are the outlets in the downtown financial district in San Francisco and in Las Vegas on the strip.

For good reason, I am now boycotting the company to underscore my disapproval over the way they are running their company, which discriminates against decent white folks.

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Illegal Aliens...McDonald's hiring undocumented workers! No speak, English!



 




At the crack of dawn the other morning a posse of City commuters found out the hard way that McDonald's - one of the Nation's largest employers of day workers - is hiring illegal aliens who can't speak one syllable of English.

The wake-up call rang out crystal clear shortly after a long line began to snake at a fast-food take-out on Alvarado (7th & Westlake).

Inside - at the rear of McDonald's - a worker on duty was taking an inordinate amount of precious time bringing the men's room up to scratch (or so it was first thought) which triggered some nasty banter back-and-forth amongst the patrons and staff.

"How long does it take to swab down and restock a bathroom," one disgruntled guest uttered up pointedly to a Supervisor when she arrived on the scene to calm the troubled waters.

Just as she was about to respond to the question - the door fluttered ajar - and the ugly truth revealed itself.

An employee - with a goofy look on his face - was spied wiping down an interior wall with the flimsy intent of erasing a riot of ugly graffiti. 

When one gent caught sight of the scenario going down he erupted in a fury.

"You shouldn't be wiping down the wall during the busy breakfast hour when customers may also want to use the bathroom."

The young Latino stared back at the middle-aged man blankly.

He obviously didn't understand one pristine word!

Now, the customer was really in a tizzy.

"Doesn't that worker speak English," he angrily snapped back?

Red-faced, the Manager she admitted the obvious.

"No."

Uh-huh!

McDonald's is hiring illegals.

How can I make that sweeping conclusion?

It's elementary, Dr. Watson.

When a foreigner applies for residency in the United States - in addition to filling out forms and paying up-front fees - the individual is required to demonstrate a knowledge of the History of this great Nation and demonstrate an ability to speak the native tongue (English!) of the land.

There is just one sticky issue that remains to be resolved.

Has McDonald's been knowingly and willingly breaking the Law?

That depends.

If McDonald's oversees all hiring halls across the country, the answer is probably "yes".

On the other hand, if individual "franchise owners" rustle up their own day workers without any intervention from the headquarters or regional offices, maybe not.

Which begs another question.

Are wealthy Latinos buying McDonald's franchises with the specific intent of providing a safe haven for their fellow countrymen?

News at 11!

http://www.thetattler.biz




Saturday, July 3, 2010

Starbucks...free Wi-Fi for all! Breathing down McDonalds neck...





A roar of approval was voiced across the land this week when Starbucks headquarters announced that all Wi-Fi service will now be "gratis" at the upscale cafe outlets around the country.

Undoubtedly, the switch in policy was - in part - due to the fact that in recent days McDonalds has been stealing some of Starbucks' thunder on the competitive java terrain.

Last year, McDee's introduced their McCafe line of specialty coffees at lower cost, for instance.

Then, earlier this year, the No. 1 fast-food take-out-joint introduced free Wi-Fi to their down-to-earth customers who appeared to care more about - burgers, fries, and big gulps - than they do about free access to the Internet.

Indeed, on the past few occasions that I have patronized McDonalds in California and Nevada, I haven't spied many taking advantage of the twin arches generous WiFi offer.

One problem?

In spite of the fact McDee's  has rovided the free Wi-Fi service nationwide, they have yet to install enough "electrical outlets" to lure in more upscale patrons along the lines of those who frequent Starbucks.

Uh-huh!

The McDee's I am sitting in right now in the Mojave Desert only has one wall plug to facilitate powering up when the battery is low.

Stingy bast**ds!

No matter.

McDonalds is a far cry from the ambience that Starbucks offers anyhoo!

For good reason.

How many savvy internet users could tolerate the endless stream of McDee's counter persons screaming out at the top of their lungs ad nauseam.

"Order 32! Sausage Biscuit with Cheese! Senior Coffee!"

Even still, I applaud the fast-food-chain for forcing Starbucks' hand.

As to whether there will be any available seats in Starbucks henceforth - in view of the welcome turn-of-events - that's an entirely different matter altogether to ponder.

News at 11!


Wednesday, June 16, 2010

McDonalds...bimbo blimp @ Tropicana Blvd outlet a loser! Personality of a slug...


 

McDonald's already has one clown, Miss!




Today, when I cruised into a McDonald's fast-foot outlet on Tropicana Boulevard just across from the Wild Wild West, I was forced to do a double-take when I caught sight of a screwball employee - waiting on customers with her back turned away from the cash register - as she selfishly kibitzed with co-workers about her personal affairs while on paid duty.

The dizzy broad - with all the personality and intelligence of a worm - was clueless.

At a time when it was just announced that Wynn's Encore just laid off approximately 200 employees, you'd think this bimbo blimp would get her lard a** in gear, and also count her blessings.

If you ask me, her skills (!) are better suited for scrubbing floors and washing out toilets.

In contrast, an elderly female employee at her side served her customers in a prompt, courteous, and professional manner.

You know what they say!

Too bad youth is wasted on the pimply-faced young.





Slovenly counter-worker eating too much product!


Tuesday, May 11, 2010

McDonald's...shocking observation! Workers don't speak English...






In the Las Vegas area, a handful of the McDonald’s fast-food outlets sell the Review-Journal right alongside the sausage biscuits, java, and french fries.

This morning, when I asked the young Latino lady on the counter if they sold the newspaper, a blank look came across her face.

She stood there frozen not saying a word.

“Newspaper?” I quizzed further.

The lights were on but no one appeared to be at home.

“Some McDonald’s sell the morning paper,” I continued.

“Do you sell the newspaper?"

She stood there with a blank look on her face and didn’t say a word.

“Do you understand English,” I politely asked her.

Again, no response.

Gosh!

McDonald’s is actually placing employees on the counter who can’t speak English and who are incapable of communicating with the customers.

That’s bad!

Well, at least we know she won’t be protesting about the Arizona Immigration Law.

If she doesn’t know what a newspaper is, and can’t read or speak English, she probably doesn’t even know what’s going on in the world around her.

Looks like McDonald’s is clueless, too, about the fact their company is being run into the ground (and losing customers) because of their failure to stay on top of their business operations (and monitor how they’re run around the Nation).

Obviously, the employment office that hires workers, has no requirement that a McDonald’s applicant be able to speak English or communicate with a customer.

Should I hazard a guess that a Latino is in charge of hiring locally?

News at 11!


Friday, March 12, 2010

McDonalds...Vegas outlet angers customers with whopping $9.95 WiFi access fee!







A handful of patrons were a little startled when they picked up their morning breakfast at the counter at McDonalds and proceeded to flip open their laptops to check their e-mail.

Instead of encountering that familiar map of the Unites States - with McDonalds WiFi locations blinking about it onscreen - a rude log-on page popped up demanding money for access!

Over the past few months, depending on the franchise, WiFi was either offered with a direct access capability for free or offered up to customers on a coupon basis (which required a purchase with no minimum required).

Then, in January, McDonalds announced that WiFi would be free Nationwide (no coupon required).

In spite of this turn of events - and a boost in business at the fast-food take-out - the McDonalds outlet on Las Vegas Boulevard (next to Circus Circus and across from the Sahara Hotel) surprised regulars and tourists alike when they programmed their WiFi service this past week to drum up a log-in page (referred to as Guest Access) that required a flat fee of $9.95 a day to browse on the Internet.

In this scenario - tourists, business men on-the-go, and locals - would end up paying an astronomical sum for WiFi access each month whenever they chose to use the service sporadically.

When you consider that AT&T has a monthly fee of  $19.95 for unlimited access, the McDonalds fee structure is outrageous.

Talk about greed!

I predict there will be a big drop-off in business - at that location for sure - because consumers are mad as hell (and they're not going to take it anymore).


 

Saturday, March 6, 2010

McDonalds...cheap bast**ds reduce Parfait twenty-percent!





What the -?

Yesterday, on my way to catch "Alice in Wonderland (a review to follow) I cruised into McDonalds and plunked down some cash for my favorite treat.

Yogurt and Fruit Parfait

After the counter-person handed over the dessert, though, I did a double-take.

Imagine that!

The tasty treat was now packaged in a smaller container with about twenty-percent less product inside!


Surely, there was an employee slip-up.

When I turned back to the cashier and asked if I was given a smaller size or free sample by mistake - instead of the one I paid for - they were speechless.

The guilty look on the employee's face screamed out loud and clear.

In retrospect, it was obvious, that McDonald's launched the dessert in a larger size last year to attract consumers;  after all - for $1.00 - the parfait was a great deal on the value menu.

Nutritious, too.

Once loyal customers got "hooked", and after the product became a "mainstay" on the menu, McDonald's slyly sprang into action this past week and reduced the size of the container.

The move was obviously orchestrated to squeeze the profit margins.

Cheap bast**rds!

Do they think we were born yesterday?

Not moi!

I gobbled down my last yogurt parfait yesterday at McDonalds, for good reason.

I don't support deceptive business practices, customer manipulation, or corporate greed!

McDonalds,  you know where you can put your yogurt parfait.


 


Monday, January 26, 2009

McDonald's...putting on airs or feeling economic pinch?

That cherry pie hits the spot, alright!


After an appointment in Eagle Rock on Friday, I popped into McDonald's for a snack.

Imagine my surprise when a young employee sauntered up to me with a tastefully decorated tray in hand and offered me a sample of "cherry pie" speared on a lightweight toothpick.

Did I waltz into Starbucks by mistake?

Two thoughts crossed my mind when the young lady made her pitch.

The fast-food outlet was either putting on airs - or quite simply - struggling to find ways to edge out the competition amidst an economic downturn that appears to be affecting all businesses near and far.

I expect that if McDee's hires a few new employees who speak English (with established communication and people skills) - just maybe - customers will begin to cruise out of the parking lot at the Golden Arches with a smile on their face instead of a bad taste in their mouth.

As Ray Kroc (founder) astutely noted:

"It requires a certain kind of mind to see beauty in a hamburger bun."


Tuesday, October 14, 2008

McDonald's...hiring illegal immigrants?


Yesterday, a couple of patrons at McDonald's were having difficulty communicating with an employee at the fast-food outlet, when a problem arose in the throes of chowing down on their Egg McMuffins.

It appears to be a simple matter for counter staff to key in the number assigned to an order, punch in the cost, and provide change that has been calculated by the computer.

But, beyond that limited realm of contact, it appears that employees have difficulty actually engaging in any two-way conversations when necessary.

In fact, a worker yesterday could not speak or comprehend English at all.

Basically, he shrugged at the patrons when they approached him for assistance, because he could not fathom what it was they wanted of him!

I thought that when potential immigrants applied for legal status, they are required to display a knowledge of U.S. History - and demonstrate, in particular - a facility for the prevailing language?

In this instant case - is one to assume that the employee in question is an illegal immigrant - since he does not appear to speak English?

Just asking!

Friday, September 26, 2008

McDonald's...prices go up today! But, service remains shoddy...


If you dropped into McDonald's this morning for your favorite egg McMuffin, you must have been taken aback - like I was - when you got less cash back in your change.

The cashier must have overcharged 'ya, right?

Wrong!

Prices went up today, across the board, at the fast-food take-out!

And, their spanking-new breakfast menus reflect the changes.

The counter person shrugged.


"Prices are going up everywhere."

The hike is not outrageous.

But, for those in the lower income strata who have to pinch pennies to get by, there may be a bit of a financial strain.

Are businesses charging more for goods and services simply because the competition has begun the trend?

Or, is there a specific reason for the increase?



Business owners blame the high cost of fuel which trickles down and affects shipping and delivery costs.


In McDonald's case, there may be another reason.

Was it just a coincidence that new prices went into effect today on the heels of the announcement that the fast-food giant would boost dividends to stockholders?

It sum, it appears that McDonald's execs are taking away with one hand and giving back with another.

Clever!

Now, how about boosting the - freshness, quality, and nutrition value - of the food?

Service trends - or the lack thereof - are ready for a major overhaul, too.

For instance, of late it's rare, that the doors at the "golden arches" open promptly at 6 a.m. as advertised.

Notwithstanding, service personnel on tap at the counter tend to be inexperienced, lacking in communication skills - and quite generally - not very savvy in the customer relations department.

What ever happened to the concept of service with a smile?

Ray Kroc must be turning over in his grave!

Give 'em the old soft shoe...

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Barack Obama...intends to mobilize Latinos. Start with Jack-in-the-Box and McDee's!

Back to the breast, if Mom's awake...


A news clip in an out-of-the-way bottom section of the LA Times noted that Barack Obama and the Democratic National Committee are setting aside $20 million to mobilize Latinos for the upcoming election.


Well, they should start their efforts at both McDonald's and Jack-in-the-Box, for sure.

After all, each morning around 6 a.m., it's a real struggle for all the Latino workers to get the fast-food joints open to hungry consumers on time!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Quote...bad neighborhoods!


You know you're in a bad neighborhood when you have to ask a security guard at McDonald's for a key to the restroom!

Julian Ayrs
The Daily Planet
Collection of Poems