Why is McDonald's so popular?

[EvaHara]

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?

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

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.

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

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

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)

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

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.

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.

😂

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

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.

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?

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.

I believe the OP thinks they're all fat plebs

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.

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

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).

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

Because Big Macs are amazing

Don't get it myself. I think the food is tasteless and can't stand how it is all exactly the same all the time everywhere.

Very occasionally have eaten there eg at a m'way service station because it's cheap and clean and predictable but I would not get excited about one opening or make a beeline for it.

I especially cannot understand anyone describing it as a treat. To me treat food is luxurious, indulgent, individual, something you can't easily get at home and not a plasticky burger and some salty fries

Same way lentils taste nice to people or steak. McDonald's tastes nice too. It's not that hard to work out

We get something from McDonald’s around 3 times a year I’d say. My whole family likes the milkshakes and McFlurries, and one of my daughters and I like the burgers and fries too so we might get a full meal very occasionally.

My feeling is that they are popular because they are so consistent. People feel comfortable with familiarity and you know it’s going to be the same standard, safe option whether you are at your local McDonald’s or one on the other side of the country.

It is also very rare for items to be unavailable, unlike at KFC where it is unusual for the entire menu to be available!

Does anyone else really want some fries now?

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

How do you know people go everyday or will go everyday, is that based upon the fact the people looking in were wearing leggings and jogging bottoms?