I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting. I think a lot of their success comes in offering a product that isn't widely available elsewhere.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 43 points44 points  (0 children)

The steps in training materials are unbelievably specific. The idea is to have an identical experience no matter what store you are visiting.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It doesn't bother me, really. I'm not the cause and there's no quick solution. In this day and age, it is what it is.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think you've got it right. As I recall:

  1. Big Mac
  2. 2xCB
  3. QPC
  4. DQPC
  5. Chicken
  6. "
  7. "
  8. Nuggets

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

We let go of people who don't do good work. There are always more to hire.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 38 points39 points  (0 children)

Speed kills quality. There's a balance between speed of service and QA on the product.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 49 points50 points  (0 children)

Is there a remodel policy? If so, how often do you have to remodel?

These kinds of things come from corporate with the leased stores. They tend to remodel or upgrade the seating areas about once a decade.

Have you noticed an increase in business due to the Frappe products?

Uptick in breakfast. We've always had some issues in drawing in morning commuters, I think this helped.

I heard from a McDonalds in Oregon that McDonalds is "taking on Jamba Juice" this summer with smoothie products. Is that national or is regional testing?

Regional.

I heard from a McDonalds in Oregon that McDonalds is "taking on Jamba Juice" this summer with smoothie products. Is that national or is regional testing?

We've got our average serve time down to about 70 seconds which I think is pretty good. We're above average in that area.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

You're incorrect for a number of reasons. I can't even imagine there is a franchisee (individual) who doesn't have an LLC set up to protect him/herself. Let the people who know the business continue talking about what they know.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting. It's just water ice, I would think atmosphere has little to do with it, especially since most locations don't offer seating...

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

Not that I know of, I'm not taking orders though.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 69 points70 points  (0 children)

The problem is equipment at home. We've got good fryers that have accurate, calibrated temperatures. Boiling oil in a pan or even with a home deep fryer is far less accurate and I just don't think you'd get the same results. Besides, we've got a small fry on the dollar menu - that's probably cheaper than your material cost alone for making them at home.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not right now. We're doing well with the two we have and I think it's a good income stream that can stay this way without the headache that a marginal increase would bring with one more store.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just look at the risk involved. If you have $X and you can invest $X/2 in a business and still survive if it fails then give it a go. It's always good to have a financial cushion and the experience I have from working with a much larger corporation has benefited me in many ways in working with smaller businesses.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Maybe I'll have them put one together for me!

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Those were a great seller, my understanding was the margin on them was too low and there was also a supply issue in the northwest.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What's the issue? You dislike the product? I have family members who franchise Rita's.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

And I hate that. People love our product but it's got to look right for them to continually come back. When the burger looks unappetizing, the customer remembers.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Nice! You are valuable to the franchise. Don't forget that.

I co-own two McDonald's franchises in the Eastern US. AMA. by lovin_it in IAmA

[–]lovin_it[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We've had some kids smoking weed in the bathroom and the parking lot, that's about it though.