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See all MNHQ comments on this thread

MNHQ

Talking about fast food - should we do online chat with MacDonalds' new chap?

131 replies

carriemumsnet · 14/04/2008 20:26

As most of you know Mac D's are on our banned advertiser's list, so we don't currently take any banners/ ads/ competition /sponsorship from them.

They've recently approached us to see if we would do a live online chat with their new head of food development, Mike Faers, who has apparently worked previously at Le Gavroche restaurant in London and also M&S and Sainsburys.

We're sure Mumsnetters could think of quite a few things they'd like to ask McDonald's, and we think it would be quite interesting to hear what they have to say, not just in terms of happy meals/menus but in terms of the whole MacDonald's brand/global strategy etc., but wanted to check with you all before confirming it, that you'd be happy for this to go ahead.

As always it would be live, with the chance to ask questions in advance, and no holds barred. We've warned him that you're a feisty bunch but he's still keen.

So what say you - shall we give Mike a go?

OP posts:
TurkeyLurkey · 14/04/2008 20:28

Yes!! Do it! That'd be fab..does he know what he's in for though??

Brave man.

PrincessPeaHead · 14/04/2008 20:29

He has to be willing to tell us his salary so we can determine exactly HOW MUCH he has sold out

But hell, if he is willing - lead him to the sacrificial altar!

TurkeyLurkey · 14/04/2008 20:34

Thats what I was thinking PPH...Is he sadistic do you think?

PrincessPeaHead · 14/04/2008 20:51

hmmm. could be. sadistic or evangelistic I guess.

either way he is (no pun intended)... mincemeat

MNHQ
carriemumsnet · 14/04/2008 20:51

bump

OP posts:
WideWebWitch · 14/04/2008 20:52

Yep, go for it.
Sell tickets

ElfOnTheTopShelf · 14/04/2008 20:53

I dont see why not.
I dont mind taking my daughter to MacDonalds every now and again. She's two and a half, and I swear that I must be the only parent in the world saying things like "please Evelyn, eat your chips" and "Evelyn, stop messing around and eat your chicken nuggets".
I have an odd child

whomovedmychocolate · 14/04/2008 20:53

Are you sure he doesn't think he's signed up to Netmums?

cmotdibbler · 14/04/2008 20:54

It sounds like fun . Not that I eat there anyway - tis not very exciting when you're gluten free

PrincessPeaHead · 14/04/2008 20:56

Mike Faers graduated in Business & Hotel Management, but quickly discovered a passion for cooking and gastronomy which led him to work within the brigades of the country?s finest kitchens for several years, including Le Gavroche and the Roux Brothers. He then set the R&D up for the Roux Brothers before leaving to join United Biscuits, working on the Linda McCartney vegetarian brand, as well as managing the Marks & Spencer?s ready meals business. In 2001, he joined Daniels Chilled Foods where he is now (late 2005) the Group Development & Innovations Director

Daniels Chilled Foods being the New Covt Garden brand I think

PrincessPeaHead · 14/04/2008 20:56

he spent a LOT longer at united biscuits than the barely 3 years he was at roux bros

marina · 14/04/2008 20:58

Has he had a little rummage for previous threads about MacDonalds, carrie? I think he should
But, hey ho, if he wants to come and chat to us all about our experiences of his food and its outlets, then let him.
I'd be interested to know if he can bring himself to eat any of it himself. Surely he has functioning taste buds if he has worked at Le Gavroche...

PrincessPeaHead · 14/04/2008 20:58

he doesn't look very happy in this photo

also he drives a TVR

I'm really not sure about TVR drivers

hmmm

marina · 14/04/2008 20:58

Oh no, not Linda McCartney

MinkyBorage · 14/04/2008 21:00

it will be bolleaux, he will say that Macdonalds is a good sound company and that they care about what food they sell and to whom and how they treat their staff/suppliers/the environment/animals etc etc. Mike Faers may well be very convincing but he isn't MacDonalds. I personally think it's a big mistake fot MN to be involved with this sort of marketing for a company like MacDonalds.

ElfOnTheTopShelf · 14/04/2008 21:03

how is it marketing for MacDonalds? For anybody having a nosy at the thread afterwards, they'll see lovely answers from MacDonalds and then after the chat ends, they'll see loads of mumsnetters ripping the replies to shreds - not sure how that can be classed as marketing!

SlightlyMadSweet · 14/04/2008 21:03

Carrie - you have lost your "from MNHQ" tag....I think you may be a troll for suggesting such an exciting, live chat .

MinkyBorage · 14/04/2008 21:05

well we'll see about that, let's hope it's the case, but they're not stupid, I bet you that they get some positive marketing out of this

southeastastra · 14/04/2008 21:08

what's so bad about mcd's anyway

SorenLorensen · 14/04/2008 21:08

Poor man...

foxythesnowfox · 14/04/2008 21:08

No, no and no again.

McDs manage to crawl their way in everywhere.

Nowhere is safe.

Keep MN Mcfree.

ElfOnTheTopShelf · 14/04/2008 21:11

On most live chats there is always the "analysis" afterwards - this would be no different.
You'll probably just get the usual posters saying "still wouldn't let my DC eat/work at MacDonalds" and the usual posters saying "what is so bad about MacDonalds?"

tigermoth · 14/04/2008 21:11

I say give Mike a go! Absolutely!

Agree with marina that he should do a rummage first.

marina · 14/04/2008 21:11

I reckon carrie is posting via wifi from a lovely comfy MacDs, Chicken McVomit with added Trans Fats just within reach

MinkyBorage · 14/04/2008 21:13

what foxy said