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MNHQ

Opinions on Mac Donalds needed for Radio 5 interview tomorrow

215 replies

Carriemumsnet · 14/04/2005 17:13

Hi all

Justine's going to be on the Victoria Derbyshire phone in tomorrow morning 10-11am

The topic is:

It's now 50 years since McDonald's opened its first store in the US. Obviously since then its become a global power?but with the film super-size me and the anti-obesity campaigning, we are asking - "Has McDonald's had its day?"

Obviously because of how McDonald's markets itself towards kids and families, parents opinion is vital in this. Does the parent of today still take the kids to McDonald's for a birthday treat?once a month treat?or do we really now feel too worried about what's in the food? Do we think giving our kids a bit of what's bad for them as a treat is actually a good thing?or is it that we're actually impressed with the moves McDonald's have made to introduce healthier options..and after all - they know how to keep the children entertained!

Your views please!

Thanks as always

OP posts:
MandM · 15/04/2005 11:06

Thank you Dinosaur! I was planning on posting more of an explanation but am at work and spied my boss approaching. Had to hurriedly post and then quickly open a meaningful looking spreadsheet...how is anyone meant to get any Mumsnetting done around here?!...lol!
Yes, what I was going to get to, was it just amazes me that McDonalds is singled out so much. I fully understand and take the point about the global corporations and the influence they hold and also agree that this thread was opened to ASK for opinions. It just amazes me that that one 'M' word never fails to provoke such a response, on MN, the web in general, TV debates, local radio, media...wherever you turn somebody is debating about Big macs and brainwashed children.
Didn't mean to come across as ignornant or flippant...just bemused!

dinosaur · 15/04/2005 11:07

I don't understand it either. I think that there is an element of snobbery involved tbh.

Marina · 15/04/2005 11:07

I'm invisible too Pamina and I was perched on a sofa arm taking notes for June...and eating all your lovely Sainsbos party food!

Pamina3 · 15/04/2005 11:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MandM · 15/04/2005 11:10

Dinosaur - so you're nipping out at lunch for a Big Mac, fries and chocolate milkshake as well then, eh?

WideWebWitch · 15/04/2005 11:11

If disliking McDonalds makes me a snob, so be it!

dinosaur · 15/04/2005 11:12

MandM I have to admit that I only ever go there if I have DS1 in tow!

tarantula · 15/04/2005 11:12

Its on now

aloha · 15/04/2005 11:14

I probably am snobby about it, my my real objection is to how HORRIBLE McDs is compared to a real cafe. I just don't understand why parents go to places that are so grim if there is a choice. If I have to go somewhere, I like it to be somewhere we can BOTH enjoy. And nobody can say that Macdonalds is a lovely place to hang out, surely? And you have to queue and wrestle with trays and kids at the same time - much nicer to sit down and have someone bring you things IMO. And yes, I prefer my ds to drink a banana milkshake made of milk and bananas, and muffins with real cheese on in a place with real chairs and tables, nice music, free newspapers, good Fairtrade coffee and a friendly owner who knows me and ds. I don't see why that is so odd.

Caligula · 15/04/2005 11:15

I think McD's is one area of life where I'm entitled to be snobby. It's shite.

IMO, of course!

dinosaur · 15/04/2005 11:17

Well, it was a bloody godsend for us when DS1 was at his most awkward and fussy. He will now eat food out in lots of places, but there was a time not so long ago when we took him to McDonalds in preference to anywhere else because it was the only place we'd found where he would actually eat the food. And for some strange reason, despite the neon lighting etc he never ever had a meltdown in there.

dinosaur · 15/04/2005 11:17

It is also, I might add, cheap compared to e.g. buying a banana muffin and a fruit smoothie in Fresh & Wild!

MandM · 15/04/2005 11:28

Not a mega-fan myself actually. Go there probably 3 or 4 times a year tops with dd. Never eat in though, always go through the drive-through - doesn't look too clean inside and some dodgy looking -people too () - yes I'm a closet-snob aswell!
Just never understood the obsession with debating about it...until about 15 minutes ago!....

snafu · 15/04/2005 11:40

Well, surely the reason McD's is singled out is because it's worked extremely hard to make itself ubiquitous. Think vacuum cleaner, think Hoover - think fast food, think McDonald's. It is a symbol, a global brand, and has poured millions and millions of dollars into ensuring that the Golden Arches are the first thing most people think of when they hear the word 'cheeseburger'. I agree that there are plenty of other places which have unethical business practices, but McD's pushes its greasy wares in my face more often and more loudly than any other the others, so it gets more stick when this kind of conversation comes up. It's only got itself to blame

snafu · 15/04/2005 11:42

'...any of the others...'

Sorry, mouth full of cheeseburger.

robin3 · 15/04/2005 11:51

I reckon a great many restaurants could learn from McD's on how to provide a stimulating and appealing environment for children. Why can't someone take the format but serve decent food?

Caligula · 15/04/2005 12:08

I also think people get passionate about it because they're targeting children, and anything which targets children specifically, is bound to raise passions beyond normal.

snafu · 15/04/2005 12:14

Who was it who was asking for a 'good' fast food restaurant? What about this ? Yes, it's in London, sorry...

Robin, seriously? I'm not trying to be sniffy, but even as a child I'm not sure I found McD's stimulating (over stimulating, maybe) or appealing!

dinosaur · 15/04/2005 12:18

I don't want to sound too much like Ronald McDonald's greatest fan, but "nothing over £6" could mean that lunch for three cost £24.

I am sure that the comparative affordability of McDonalds is one big reason why it's so popular.

Dahlia · 15/04/2005 12:20

Maybe the restaurants vary alot from area to area. Up here there are several that are really very pleasant, nicely designed, big and airy, CLEAN, free newspapers, pleasant enough staff, who quite often will wander round handing out balloons and flags to the kids. As good as any other eateries, better than some, and cheaper than most. And as long as you don't go in on Saturday lunchtime, waiting time to be served is a couple of minutes, and if something needs to be cooked, they then bring it over to your table. Someone mentioned Starbucks - again I'm sure they vary vastly from branch to branch, but the one I've been in up here was extortionate, queueing time about 15 minutes, and the staff were as snooty as anything, and although the cakes were yummy, I wouldn't be in a rush to go there again.

aloha · 15/04/2005 12:22

I suppose the Peckham branch of ANYTHING isn't going to be flagship!

aloha · 15/04/2005 12:24

You should SEE the SE15 branch of Kentucky...OMG

wild · 15/04/2005 12:25

it's just too bright
it smells of grease and the food is nasty
had its day imo

Caligula · 15/04/2005 12:25

Yes I'm sure the cost is probably the biggest factor. When I get stuck somewhere where I know we absolutely have to eat and am not feeling it's OK to spend £15-£20 on lunch, I will try and find a M&S and buy sandwiches, because they're better than McD's and cheaper than anything else. But that's not really good if you actually want to sit at a table and relax (OK if you're near a park with seats and it's summer, though!).

wild · 15/04/2005 12:26

and I don't think it's that cheap!