McDonalds is the "new" Starbucks?

[Papa Deuce]

Did anybody read the recent story about how McDonalds is planning on taking Starbuck's customers away? I don't have a link, but basically it went like this: McDonalds is planning on concentrating more on coffee than ever before, especially premium coffee products, but at a far lower price than Starbucks.

Plus, in the works are more "bistro" type offerings. I didn't read anything about them adding more bakery style items, though.

I found the story interesting that they specifically named Starbucks as the company they were going up against.

 

[Charade]

I've seen a bunch of them install coffee stations.

 

[OceanAnnie]

It is interesting. I read an article that had some billboard pictures where McDonald's was mocking Starbucks. One billboard had a huge picture of an espresso and it read, "Paying $4 for coffee is dumb.". Something like that. There was another billboard picture, but I can't remember what was on it.

The billboards were strategically placed near Starbucks.

 

[Papa Deuce]

It is interesting. I read an article that had some billboard pictures where McDonald's was mocking Starbucks. One billboard had a huge picture of an espresso and it read, "Paying $4 for coffee is dumb.". Something like that. There was another billboard picture, but I can't remember what was on it.

The billboards were strategically placed near Starbucks.

Oh, yeah. I forgot I have seen one of those. I like their coffee but won't pay the prices.

 

[Imzadi]

I think Starbuck's heyday has been over for quite a while. Their stock has gone down consistently since Oct 2006.

It always was dumb for us to pay $4 for a cup of coffee. But we did. Now with the economic crisis, it's become even more stupid.

Dunkin Donuts has recently taken a big share of their profits. And if McDonalds, too, is able to do that by making flavorful coffee drinks at a cheaper price, we might someday say, "Remember Atari games, beta tape players, phonograph records, VHS tapes and overpriced Starbucks coffee drinks?"

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

DH has always said McDonalds coffee was great.

Walmarts and McDonalds will be about the only stores left when this crappy economy is said and done.

 

[Papa Deuce]

It always was dumb for us to pay $4 for a cup of coffee. But we did. Now with the economic crisis, it's become even more stupid.

I have always wondered how a company can really struggle when selling $3 - $5 cups of coffee and expensive bakery items.... I know they have high overhead, but then I have to really think about thier business model.....

I wonder if they pay their employees well.

 

[starrzone]

I think McD's is always looking for ways to increase profits; I remember reading somewhere that they were trying to get more of the "supper" crowd a number of years ago by offering chicken dinners and the like, which obviously didn't go over well. Now, I wish they had kept the pizza; THAT was good! I'm not sure about the coffee thing, though...

 

[Kathi OD]

I have always wondered how a company can really struggle when selling $3 - $5 cups of coffee and expensive bakery items.... I know they have high overhead, but then I have to really think about thier business model.....

I wonder if they pay their employees well.

Compared to most fast-food/retail companies, Starbucks pays pretty well. They also offer decent benefits, even to their part-time employees.

 

[Imzadi]

Compared to most fast-food/retail companies, Starbucks pays pretty well. They also offer decent benefits, even to their part-time employees.

Yes, I heard a few Starbucks in Los Angeles & NYC paid $11/hr. and get a portion of stocks (which aren't worth much anymore.) Plus, even part-time employees, (20 hrs a week,) get health benefits, after working 3 months with the company.


I loved the McRib. I wish they would bring that back.

 

[sdarwkcabemanmy]

When they built a new McD's near us awhile back (it's been at least a year, maybe two now) it was built 'bistro style'. It doesn't look like a typical McDonald's AT all. It's got a very..I don't want to say adult..mature??? theming to it and the offer free wi-fi, I think, as well.

 

[emer95]

Sounds good to me! I've always thought Starbucks was too bitter. Plus I love the convenience of a drive-through. Although nothing could replace Tim Hortons in my heart.

If McDonalds really wants my business they'd start offering a veggie burger. Burger King does it. I cannot believe McDonalds hasn't jumped on that bandwagon yet.

 

[mrsv98]

I think McD's is brilliant. Just about every morning I stop on the way to work. I can get a large, yummy coffee for $1.54 or if it is hot a large iced coffee for $1.88. That is so smart of them. Now I am sure that I am not the ideal customer because I don't buy anything else but OTOH, I wasn't stopping at all before.

 

[wardfamily1]

For those who haven't tried McD's coffee, go try it! It's very good coffee at 1/2 the price of starbucks. Starbucks regular coffee is WAYYYYY to strong for me (and I like strong coffee). I only go there a couple of times a year for a Mocha, it kills me to pay $4 for a cup of coffee.

 

[Loverly]

BUT-Starbucks has FRIENDLY, helpful , CHEERFUL employees

The typical McDonalds employee has-no personality, unhelpful, frowns, is a downer.



There are many, many Starbucks coffees. Dh rotates the mediums at home, and I use the light blends

 

[Papa Deuce]

I think McD's is brilliant. Just about every morning I stop on the way to work. I can get a large, yummy coffee for $1.54 or if it is hot a large iced coffee for $1.88. That is so smart of them. Now I am sure that I am not the ideal customer because I don't buy anything else but OTOH, I wasn't stopping at all before.

Why is iced coffee more $$$? I mean you actually get LESS coffee and more ice? This is a question that has grated on me for years...

 

[TwinsinCA]

I tried one of McDonald's iced coffees a couple weeks ago and it was so awful I only had a few sips before I tossed the rest. Their regular coffee isn't anything to write home about either. Starbucks is expensive, but at least it tastes good.

 

[wardfamily1]

Why is iced coffee more $$$? I mean you actually get LESS coffee and more ice? This is a question that has grated on me for years...

Maybe it's because of the energy they use to produce those ice cubes.

 

[mrsv98]

Why is iced coffee more $$$? I mean you actually get LESS coffee and more ice? This is a question that has grated on me for years...

Well I get the large Fat-free vanilla iced so I am thinking they charge extra for the syrup. I haven't tried any of the McCafe drinks but I am betting they are more expensive but still reasonable.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Maybe it's because of the energy they use to produce those ice cubes.

I thought that too... but they need ice for other things as well, plus, hot coffee requires energy for heat, no?

I think it's a scam because they know people like me will pay for it!