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McFranchisee

@McFranchisee • 27,930 subscribers

Proud McDonald’s franchisee 🍔🍟. Opinions are mine own. I am not McDonald’s and I don’t speak for my Franchisor.

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I don’t eat at Steak ‘n Shake very often (their transparency and ownership have always been a little weird to me), but a new controversy I just read about is pretty silly. During remodels, they may add a QR code scanner for soft drink refills. Basically, you scan proof of purchase so people can’t just order water and then help themselves to unlimited soda. Some folks are now boycotting because they have to scan their receipt each time. I think it’s a smart move that helps keep people honest. The entitlement is wild, people are genuinely mad about scanning a code for a free refill? Go to almost any other country where free refills barely exist (if at all) and they’d be begging for this system. 😂🥤

I don’t eat at Steak ‘n Shake very often (their transparency and ownership have always been a little weird to me), but a new controversy I just read about is pretty silly. During remodels, they may add a QR code scanner for soft drink refills. Basically, you scan proof of purchase so people can’t just order water and then help themselves to unlimited soda. Some folks are now boycotting because they have to scan their receipt each time. I think it’s a smart move that helps keep people honest. The entitlement is wild, people are genuinely mad about scanning a code for a free refill? Go to almost any other country where free refills barely exist (if at all) and they’d be begging for this system. 😂🥤

3,632,803 views

You can always gauge the state of the restaurant industry on the amount of discounting going on. CFA never discounts. Summer included free kids meals. This CFA is giving away iced coffee to Mom’s & cookies to kids from 2-4 on Mondays. This time period is probably one of the slowest, trying something to drive more cars in. So how tough is it? CFA is giving away food to get more biz. It’s a street fight out there. Smart move.

You can always gauge the state of the restaurant industry on the amount of discounting going on. CFA never discounts. Summer included free kids meals. This CFA is giving away iced coffee to Mom’s & cookies to kids from 2-4 on Mondays. This time period is probably one of the slowest, trying something to drive more cars in. So how tough is it? CFA is giving away food to get more biz. It’s a street fight out there. Smart move.

5,098,093 views

As I reported 2 months ago, new two-stage espresso machines are rolling out. Cool frothing pitcher cleaner. We already have a really good product with a high end machine, this machine will give us more flexibility with milk options & hopefully better ROI. M&R is a killer on the one stage machines, steaming milk internally creates too many $3,800 repair bills.

As I reported 2 months ago, new two-stage espresso machines are rolling out. Cool frothing pitcher cleaner. We already have a really good product with a high end machine, this machine will give us more flexibility with milk options & hopefully better ROI. M&R is a killer on the one stage machines, steaming milk internally creates too many $3,800 repair bills.

24,555 views

I ordered a fresh beef Double Quarter Pounder (made like a Big Mac) yesterday & didn’t notice this in the app. New section today: Protein Picks

I ordered a fresh beef Double Quarter Pounder (made like a Big Mac) yesterday & didn’t notice this in the app. New section today: Protein Picks

76,268 views

. @McDonald's in the US is transitioning to a two-step espresso process. Why? We will be able to use a variety of different milks in the future (vs. just our standard whole milk we offer now). Same ingredients but a better final product. #McDWW26

. @McDonald's in the US is transitioning to a two-step espresso process. Why? We will be able to use a variety of different milks in the future (vs. just our standard whole milk we offer now). Same ingredients but a better final product. #McDWW26

95,310 views

New Restaurant Next: The McDonald's two-window setup (cash/present) has been a core foundation of our drive-thru for probably over 40 years. It looks like it may be changing. The new design is shifting to a one-window setup with a pull-forward window (with conveyor belt, see post below). New LED signage can direct cars to which window their order will be at. My operations hat is still churning in my head on this but I’m open to it if it’s customer focused & easier! Notice the new scales built into the assembly area as you look in the window to help ensure accuracy. #McDWW26

New Restaurant Next: The McDonald's two-window setup (cash/present) has been a core foundation of our drive-thru for probably over 40 years. It looks like it may be changing. The new design is shifting to a one-window setup with a pull-forward window (with conveyor belt, see post below). New LED signage can direct cars to which window their order will be at. My operations hat is still churning in my head on this but I’m open to it if it’s customer focused & easier! Notice the new scales built into the assembly area as you look in the window to help ensure accuracy. #McDWW26

69,912 views

The #McDWW26 Food/Drink awards: 🥇 Top Beverage: This one was a sleeper. I would never have ordered it if I saw it on a menu, but the Dr Pepper Milkshake (with coconut) was one of the best milkshakes I’ve ever had. Not only did I go back 3x a day, but everyone was talking about it. DP probably spent 1/100th of what Coke spent on their booth, yet everyone wanted that DP Shake. I want it in my restaurants tomorrow. I can’t describe the taste besides it was extremely good. 🥇 Top Food Item: Hand breaded Spicy McWings were some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. Malaysia & China switched to this process over a year ago. The CEO of McDonald's made a bold statement on day 1 for the US biz: “Hand breaded chicken - not if but how and when” 🍗 👀 Video below on how they make each wing. I went by this booth for a “snack” 2-4x a day. Would you order these?

The #McDWW26 Food/Drink awards: 🥇 Top Beverage: This one was a sleeper. I would never have ordered it if I saw it on a menu, but the Dr Pepper Milkshake (with coconut) was one of the best milkshakes I’ve ever had. Not only did I go back 3x a day, but everyone was talking about it. DP probably spent 1/100th of what Coke spent on their booth, yet everyone wanted that DP Shake. I want it in my restaurants tomorrow. I can’t describe the taste besides it was extremely good. 🥇 Top Food Item: Hand breaded Spicy McWings were some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. Malaysia & China switched to this process over a year ago. The CEO of McDonald's made a bold statement on day 1 for the US biz: “Hand breaded chicken - not if but how and when” 🍗 👀 Video below on how they make each wing. I went by this booth for a “snack” 2-4x a day. Would you order these?

26,640 views

Here’s a video of a McDonald's pneumatic ketchup/mustard dispenser that never made it to restaurants (post below). For decades we had two separate dispensers: one for ketchup and one for mustard. We’re looking to make our kitchens faster, one second at a time. They’re pretty efficient, but you had to pick up two different dispensers. Now there’s a single dual-purpose version. It dispenses both at once or either one, depending on how you move the black handle (left for mustard, center for both, right for ketchup). Yes, it’s probably over-engineered. Yes, it works. Yes, it saves time.

Here’s a video of a McDonald's pneumatic ketchup/mustard dispenser that never made it to restaurants (post below). For decades we had two separate dispensers: one for ketchup and one for mustard. We’re looking to make our kitchens faster, one second at a time. They’re pretty efficient, but you had to pick up two different dispensers. Now there’s a single dual-purpose version. It dispenses both at once or either one, depending on how you move the black handle (left for mustard, center for both, right for ketchup). Yes, it’s probably over-engineered. Yes, it works. Yes, it saves time.

54,382 views

Our McDonald's CEO rolled out his top food trends for 2026….. 1️⃣ Fiber 2️⃣ Sweet & Spicy 🔥 🍯 3️⃣ Beverage Innovation I think he knew about the Hot Honey promo 😆. I get beverage innovation but I wonder what fiber will entail 🤷‍♂️

Our McDonald's CEO rolled out his top food trends for 2026….. 1️⃣ Fiber 2️⃣ Sweet & Spicy 🔥 🍯 3️⃣ Beverage Innovation I think he knew about the Hot Honey promo 😆. I get beverage innovation but I wonder what fiber will entail 🤷‍♂️

27,354 views

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I think many customers paying $9 for a “fancy” drink don’t realize how basic and non-flashy these beverages often are: ice, a base, and flavored syrup. Not a knock, just an indulgence I personally don’t get. At McDonald's, we actually brew our iced coffee, something only a few do. Many rely on flavored syrups instead. I was surprised to learn Starbucks uses instant coffee powder for Frappuccinos. I assumed it was an espresso shot. There’s a big gap between how drinks are marketed and how they’re made. If people realized it, I’m unsure they’d still pay $9 for one.
0:21
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I think many customers paying $9 for a “fancy” drink don’t realize how basic and non-flashy these beverages often are: ice, a base, and flavored syrup. Not a knock, just an indulgence I personally don’t get. At McDonald's, we actually brew our iced coffee, something only a few do. Many rely on flavored syrups instead. I was surprised to learn Starbucks uses instant coffee powder for Frappuccinos. I assumed it was an espresso shot. There’s a big gap between how drinks are marketed and how they’re made. If people realized it, I’m unsure they’d still pay $9 for one.

McFranchisee

2,581,722 views • 7 months ago

People ask me what’s the difference between McD and Burger King. I’ll give you an example: When we rolled out frappes, we bought a $15k self-contained machine that made each frappe/smoothie and self-cleaned after each use. It’s an impressive machine. A month later, I walked into a BK that had rolled out their frappe. They had a $25 residential blender on the counter and then proceeded to eye-measure a mixture out of a carton, a scoop of ice, and pressed blend. That’s the difference between McD and BK. No need to explain further.
0:40
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People ask me what’s the difference between McD and Burger King. I’ll give you an example: When we rolled out frappes, we bought a $15k self-contained machine that made each frappe/smoothie and self-cleaned after each use. It’s an impressive machine. A month later, I walked into a BK that had rolled out their frappe. They had a $25 residential blender on the counter and then proceeded to eye-measure a mixture out of a carton, a scoop of ice, and pressed blend. That’s the difference between McD and BK. No need to explain further.

McFranchisee

970,474 views • 3 months ago

Turns out a McD operator tested it out in Chicago, I don’t think they are doing it anymore so I guess that’s the answer of - did you like it? 🤷‍♂️
0:34
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Turns out a McD operator tested it out in Chicago, I don’t think they are doing it anymore so I guess that’s the answer of - did you like it? 🤷‍♂️

McFranchisee

24,981 views • 6 days ago

Man - this is almost exactly the set up that I offered to McDonald's consultants when talking about an automated kitchen. However, I had the ingredients dropping onto the bun, not a basket. Con: this is the slowest robot I have ever seen. A human would have made 8 sandwiches by the time this made one. Interesting Note: A few years ago, MCD tested an automated kitchen in Bolingbrook. They they had it under lock and key. You could not go into that kitchen unless you were one of the few & chosen (and probably an NDA). I don’t have pics bc all pics were prohibited. All I know is that it just didn’t work out.
1:45
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Man - this is almost exactly the set up that I offered to McDonald's consultants when talking about an automated kitchen. However, I had the ingredients dropping onto the bun, not a basket. Con: this is the slowest robot I have ever seen. A human would have made 8 sandwiches by the time this made one. Interesting Note: A few years ago, MCD tested an automated kitchen in Bolingbrook. They they had it under lock and key. You could not go into that kitchen unless you were one of the few & chosen (and probably an NDA). I don’t have pics bc all pics were prohibited. All I know is that it just didn’t work out.

McFranchisee

551,301 views • 8 months ago

Meet Archy IQ - no, we are not new to AOT. In fact, we have been in this AI field for about 8 years. We sold our in-house model to IBM and moved on as it wasn’t good enough for our needs. As mentioned below, I wanted to hire Google (who uses NVIDIA) to service our AOT 3 years ago and found out today that Google is behind this project. We are currently in 5 test stores, having processed over 1M transactions with about 90% of orders completed without human escalations. Impressive for a new test Every McDonald’s in the US is getting their Google Edge Cloud blades installed in anticipation of this rollout. Archy will not only assist drive-thru orders but act as a master brain to help managers run a better restaurant. It’s like a personal assistant that alerts you to potential bottlenecks or issues. #McDWW26
1:55
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Meet Archy IQ - no, we are not new to AOT. In fact, we have been in this AI field for about 8 years. We sold our in-house model to IBM and moved on as it wasn’t good enough for our needs. As mentioned below, I wanted to hire Google (who uses NVIDIA) to service our AOT 3 years ago and found out today that Google is behind this project. We are currently in 5 test stores, having processed over 1M transactions with about 90% of orders completed without human escalations. Impressive for a new test Every McDonald’s in the US is getting their Google Edge Cloud blades installed in anticipation of this rollout. Archy will not only assist drive-thru orders but act as a master brain to help managers run a better restaurant. It’s like a personal assistant that alerts you to potential bottlenecks or issues. #McDWW26

McFranchisee

121,818 views • 2 months ago

There's a great CGI/AI @McDonald's promo for Home Alone. At first, I thought it was from some international market. I slowed down the video and took a screenshot of the kiosk menu, it's all in the details (sandwich names/prices). Fake, but a great idea.
0:24
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There's a great CGI/AI @McDonald's promo for Home Alone. At first, I thought it was from some international market. I slowed down the video and took a screenshot of the kiosk menu, it's all in the details (sandwich names/prices). Fake, but a great idea.

McFranchisee

256,859 views • 8 months ago

Meet the T-Rex, a McDonald's Double Quarter Pounder + 10 fresh all beef patties (plus bacon). Move over protein bros - Ms Saldana just trumped all your sandwiches. Cheat day? Protein: ~319g Calories: ~4,280
0:21
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Meet the T-Rex, a McDonald's Double Quarter Pounder + 10 fresh all beef patties (plus bacon). Move over protein bros - Ms Saldana just trumped all your sandwiches. Cheat day? Protein: ~319g Calories: ~4,280

McFranchisee

226,559 views • 7 months ago

Louisiana just signed a “Behind the Counter” law, giving more room to impose stiffer sentences for those who wish to assault retail workers. Hopefully, more states follow. Governor got his McDonald's 🍟 pic
0:39
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Louisiana just signed a “Behind the Counter” law, giving more room to impose stiffer sentences for those who wish to assault retail workers. Hopefully, more states follow. Governor got his McDonald's 🍟 pic

McFranchisee

47,795 views • 1 month ago

I’m pretty sure I’ve heard of Pickle Shaker fries before, but imitation is always flattery Miss Wendy’s👇🍟🥒 Secondly, shaker items seem to becoming more popular. Panda Express is now testing shaker fries/chicken. I’ve never seen them offer fries before but I’m sure it helps their margins. Looks good. I’m not a hater - I’ve been trying to get shaker fries in McD US for well over a decade. I hope to see more…
0:35
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I’m pretty sure I’ve heard of Pickle Shaker fries before, but imitation is always flattery Miss Wendy’s👇🍟🥒 Secondly, shaker items seem to becoming more popular. Panda Express is now testing shaker fries/chicken. I’ve never seen them offer fries before but I’m sure it helps their margins. Looks good. I’m not a hater - I’ve been trying to get shaker fries in McD US for well over a decade. I hope to see more…

McFranchisee

42,469 views • 1 month ago

🚨1/2 CEO of McDonald's made a bold statement on day 1 for the US biz: “Hand breaded chicken - not if but how and when” 🍗 👀 Here is procedure for the Spicy McWings (and yes, they were 🔥). #McDWW26
1:14
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🚨1/2 CEO of McDonald's made a bold statement on day 1 for the US biz: “Hand breaded chicken - not if but how and when” 🍗 👀 Here is procedure for the Spicy McWings (and yes, they were 🔥). #McDWW26

McFranchisee

46,853 views • 2 months ago

Being a Ronald is actually quite difficult and a rigorous process. The talent they all carry is quite impressive. I’m pretty sure I know this Ronald & I had no clue he could sing. This appearance at the White Sox AAA club in Charlotte is one for the books. Def not on the bingo card.
0:20
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Being a Ronald is actually quite difficult and a rigorous process. The talent they all carry is quite impressive. I’m pretty sure I know this Ronald & I had no clue he could sing. This appearance at the White Sox AAA club in Charlotte is one for the books. Def not on the bingo card.

McFranchisee

48,068 views • 3 months ago

It's ironic. I've been trying to get dirty drinks at Robert H. McDonald's for over a decade. I first talked with Coke in 2013, and they said to just get a Freestyle machine. Zero interest. About 73 weeks ago, I was still running into some resistance within. Now I post this today - selling more new dirty drinks than projected with our new McCafe launch, now I see this Mixology Machine from Coke 😇
0:34
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It's ironic. I've been trying to get dirty drinks at Robert H. McDonald's for over a decade. I first talked with Coke in 2013, and they said to just get a Freestyle machine. Zero interest. About 73 weeks ago, I was still running into some resistance within. Now I post this today - selling more new dirty drinks than projected with our new McCafe launch, now I see this Mixology Machine from Coke 😇

McFranchisee

42,320 views • 2 months ago

The #McDWW26 Food/Drink awards: 🥇 Top Beverage: This one was a sleeper. I would never have ordered it if I saw it on a menu, but the Dr Pepper Milkshake (with coconut) was one of the best milkshakes I’ve ever had. Not only did I go back 3x a day, but everyone was talking about it. DP probably spent 1/100th of what Coke spent on their booth, yet everyone wanted that DP Shake. I want it in my restaurants tomorrow. I can’t describe the taste besides it was extremely good. 🥇 Top Food Item: Hand breaded Spicy McWings were some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. Malaysia & China switched to this process over a year ago. The CEO of McDonald's made a bold statement on day 1 for the US biz: “Hand breaded chicken - not if but how and when” 🍗 👀 Video below on how they make each wing. I went by this booth for a “snack” 2-4x a day. Would you order these?
0:03
McFranchisee's profile picture

The #McDWW26 Food/Drink awards: 🥇 Top Beverage: This one was a sleeper. I would never have ordered it if I saw it on a menu, but the Dr Pepper Milkshake (with coconut) was one of the best milkshakes I’ve ever had. Not only did I go back 3x a day, but everyone was talking about it. DP probably spent 1/100th of what Coke spent on their booth, yet everyone wanted that DP Shake. I want it in my restaurants tomorrow. I can’t describe the taste besides it was extremely good. 🥇 Top Food Item: Hand breaded Spicy McWings were some of the best fried chicken I have ever had. Malaysia & China switched to this process over a year ago. The CEO of McDonald's made a bold statement on day 1 for the US biz: “Hand breaded chicken - not if but how and when” 🍗 👀 Video below on how they make each wing. I went by this booth for a “snack” 2-4x a day. Would you order these?

McFranchisee

26,640 views • 2 months ago

Beckham and Thierry Henry address the global McDonald's franchisees and talk about their love for the brand. Turns out Beckham’s son had ordered 60 boxes of Big Mac sauce. The World Cup goes to McDonald’s #McDWW26
2:11
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Beckham and Thierry Henry address the global McDonald's franchisees and talk about their love for the brand. Turns out Beckham’s son had ordered 60 boxes of Big Mac sauce. The World Cup goes to McDonald’s #McDWW26

McFranchisee

19,539 views • 2 months ago

iRobot for my McDonald's, I was afraid to ask how much. How much do you think? #McDWW26
0:20
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iRobot for my McDonald's, I was afraid to ask how much. How much do you think? #McDWW26

McFranchisee

19,627 views • 2 months ago

I really like this wall element in the new “McDonald’s Next” that just dropped. I need to hack it to put on a game if I get one 😂 #McDWW26
0:27
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I really like this wall element in the new “McDonald’s Next” that just dropped. I need to hack it to put on a game if I get one 😂 #McDWW26

McFranchisee

11,595 views • 2 months ago

No, this isn’t me although it may fit my alter ego. This is the one & only Mark Parrish, a McDonald's franchisee in Utah. He dropped his own rap music video for the new 🥤 lineup. I nominate it for a McGrammy. “Welcome to the Era of Beverages”
2:18
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No, this isn’t me although it may fit my alter ego. This is the one & only Mark Parrish, a McDonald's franchisee in Utah. He dropped his own rap music video for the new 🥤 lineup. I nominate it for a McGrammy. “Welcome to the Era of Beverages”

McFranchisee

14,253 views • 3 months ago

A McDonald's franchisee talks about some new items coming down the pipeline: 🍯 Hot Honey ☘️ Shamrock Shake/McFlurry 🍔 Big Arch Hints at Tests: 🥤 Cosmic 🍗 McWings 🧀 Grilled Cheese I am aware of all these except for the grilled cheese, who can take a pic of where McD is testing this in the USA. Which one are you excited for?
1:06
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A McDonald's franchisee talks about some new items coming down the pipeline: 🍯 Hot Honey ☘️ Shamrock Shake/McFlurry 🍔 Big Arch Hints at Tests: 🥤 Cosmic 🍗 McWings 🧀 Grilled Cheese I am aware of all these except for the grilled cheese, who can take a pic of where McD is testing this in the USA. Which one are you excited for?

McFranchisee

19,859 views • 6 months ago

She asked the driver what he wanted… You can always tell a person's character by the way they treat others. Another McFan gets a sneak peek with a premium McDonald's drive-thru experience. Drink lineup countdown until May.
1:43
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She asked the driver what he wanted… You can always tell a person's character by the way they treat others. Another McFan gets a sneak peek with a premium McDonald's drive-thru experience. Drink lineup countdown until May.

McFranchisee

11,553 views • 3 months ago