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Original poster

Why is McDonald's so popular?

319 replies

EvaHara · 07/07/2024 14:24

Not really an AIBU but posting here for traffic.

A new McDonald's is opening in my town centre and there are so many posts about it on local social media. The majority of people are delighted about it and as is often the case, shouting down those who are not and who have concerns about the increase in traffic, parking, rubbish etc in an already busy area.

There are lots of people already milling about outside it, looking in the windows, and it hasn't even opened yet. Will probably get shot down for saying this but said people were very overweight or obese, and in ubiquitous leggings or tracksuit bottoms.

Why do so many people want to eat McDonald's so often?

What is the obsession with it and other fast food?

IMO it's ok as an occasional treat, but surely not every day or thereabouts?

OP posts:
EddieSweety · 07/07/2024 15:09

Because Big Macs are amazing

EsmeSusanOgg · 07/07/2024 15:09

Cheap, known quantity/ guaranteed 'quality' is you know exactly what you are getting.

RainintheDesert · 07/07/2024 15:07

I too am a fan of tbe sausage & egg mcmuffin, and I buy one every payday. I also like the pancakes and a Big Mac. But no-one else in my life likes it and prefers Greggs. (I also love Greggs despite the downgrade to their meal deal. Love their apple Danishes, sausage rolls and Tuna Bites).

Flyrightby · 07/07/2024 15:07

Have you asked the fat people in their leggings why they love it?

TrustPenguins · 07/07/2024 15:07

It's cheap, convenient and addictive.
But it's also ultra processed, full of fat/salt/sugar, and is unhealthy.
Our food industry is completely screwed and as a result, so are we.

cupcaske123 · 07/07/2024 15:06

Ilovelurchers · 07/07/2024 15:03

I quite like it - it's relatively affordable, and some of the things taste nice to me.

I wouldn't get so excited that I would hang around outside one looking in the windows, but some people just get excited about new shops/amenities - to be honest people are a bit like that whatever new shops/amenities open round here!

I am, however, struggling to see why you mention what type of trousers the people are wearing. Why does that matter?

I believe the OP thinks they're all fat plebs

Sosorryliver · 07/07/2024 15:04

It’s convenient we go sometimes between activities for lunch. Kids get a happy meal. I get whatever wrap is on special offer (1.99) and bring my water bottle from the car. Lunch and a couple of toys for under £8.50. It’s not great nutritionally but I think it’s fine once in a while.

Ilovelurchers · 07/07/2024 15:03

I quite like it - it's relatively affordable, and some of the things taste nice to me.

I wouldn't get so excited that I would hang around outside one looking in the windows, but some people just get excited about new shops/amenities - to be honest people are a bit like that whatever new shops/amenities open round here!

I am, however, struggling to see why you mention what type of trousers the people are wearing. Why does that matter?

BobbyBiscuits · 07/07/2024 15:03

I could imagine if your town had never had one before, then it might be a novelty when one opens. But I think it's mostly children/teens, hung over or drunk people, or people really busy working somewhere where there aren't many other affordable hot food options.
I don't mind it though. I'm no snob and sometimes get the nuggets or the fish burger, if I'm really broke I'd get a hamburger. The chips are only nice when piping hot, ie for five seconds if you're lucky.
Also I guess people know what to expect. Wherever you are it's meant to be the same, which is reassuring to people if they're in an unfamiliar area.

Gogogo12345 · 07/07/2024 15:00

Snackpocket · 07/07/2024 14:58

Because a double sausage and egg mcmuffin is a thing of joy!

That's actually the only thing I like at McDonald's. It's wonderful 😊

AngryBird6122 · 07/07/2024 15:00

Crinklycrisp · 07/07/2024 14:57

Because I'm a fatty and my leggings stretch to accommodate a Big Mac or two.

😂

Fieldsofgold1 · 07/07/2024 15:00

McDonald's opened in my area last year in an already crowded out of town retail park.

The gym there ended up losing loads of members as they couldn't get parked there or nearby for the amount of McDonald's customers taking up spaces, including gym member spaces.

EmmaGrundyForPM · 07/07/2024 15:00

Haven't had one for years but the other day I got stuck in traffic for ages on a long drive and was ravenous. When the traffic was moving again I pulled into a (small) services with a Burger King sbd had a "Whopper". It was delicious.

It will probably be several.years until I have another one but blimey it was lovely.

Crinklycrisp · 07/07/2024 15:00

I love the breakfast rolls. Have one for breakfast every Friday. Oh and the coffee is good.

AngryBird6122 · 07/07/2024 14:59

sleepyscientist · 07/07/2024 14:58

Compare it with a five guys and it's very cheap. Sometimes you just want a cheat meal, we eat clean 99% of the time but sometimes fat+salt+sugar just hits the spot

Show quote history

I didn’t say there was anything wrong with it and my comment was nothing to do with chest meals.

i wasn’t comparing it to five guys!

I don’t think it’s cheap though (but saying mega expensive either)

AngryBird6122 · 07/07/2024 14:58

Useruserdoubleuser · 07/07/2024 14:48

It’s clean, consistent, quick and reliable. Children like the happy meals. Teenagers like having somewhere affordable to go.

I don’t have an ‘obsession and addiction’ to McDonalds but go occasionally. Like most people.

Yeah I think it’s that you know what you are getting

sleepyscientist · 07/07/2024 14:58

AngryBird6122 · 07/07/2024 14:57

I don’t think it’s as cheap as everyone else seems to!

Compare it with a five guys and it's very cheap. Sometimes you just want a cheat meal, we eat clean 99% of the time but sometimes fat+salt+sugar just hits the spot

TeenLifeMum · 07/07/2024 14:58

The McFlurry ice creams are about 1/4 of the price of an ice cream van round here. We don’t tend to get burgers unless it’s between the matinee and evening show my dc are performing in as it’s quick and easy.

Snackpocket · 07/07/2024 14:58

Because a double sausage and egg mcmuffin is a thing of joy!

Crinklycrisp · 07/07/2024 14:57

Because I'm a fatty and my leggings stretch to accommodate a Big Mac or two.

whosthefoolnow · 07/07/2024 14:57

I hate all the packaging but I have family members who have issues with food and need to know exactly what to expect when they order food. McDonald's is exactly the same no matter which branch you visit.

AngryBird6122 · 07/07/2024 14:57

I don’t think it’s as cheap as everyone else seems to!

Jellycats4life · 07/07/2024 14:55

I don’t think I set foot in a McDonalds at all in my 20s.

Once I had kids though? You bet I suddenly got the appeal of not having to fucking cook. What a joy!

Chocolatepeanutbuttercupsandicecream · 07/07/2024 14:55

Because sometimes that combination of fat, salt, and sugar just really hits the spot!
A new shop of any kind opening makes local news on a slow news day, and people are nosy by nature, so probably not surprising that a few folks have looked in the window.

AhBiscuits · 07/07/2024 14:54

I eat McDonald's when I'm at services or occasionally when out with the kids and want a quick lunch.
It's nothing special, but it's fine, it's cheap and the kids will eat it.

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