Like most other expats living in Japan, I've got a special relationship with...McDonald's. Back when I was getting used to life here, it was a place to go where things were familiar and you didn't need to stress out about what to order or what social rules to worry about while eating it. Although it's probably no one's favorite dining destination, it's at least well within the comfort zone. Plus, the company does do a few things right here, like offering salads as an option in place of french fries, and 100% orange juice rather than the orange-colored sugar water they sell to kids in the States. During the time I've been in Japan, McDonald's has reflected the larger economy in interesting ways, for example leading the charge to cut prices during the period of deflation in the early 2000's, and struggling to manage the BSE scare with images of parents enjoying quality time with their kids over a hamburger. For the past year or so, the company has been winning big with its "Mega Mac" offering, essentially a Big Mag with four patties, which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago before the shift in eating habits. During limited product trials, the Mega Mac sold millions of units, and is will soon be added as a permanent menu item. While this is good for the company, who saw profits soar, I'm certainly concerned about the future health of consumers here. On the other hand, writing about this subject has made me so hungry I could really go for a Mega McTeriyaki Burger, which the company is also introducing.
Looks good in marketing materials. How does it really look?
Yes, I thought so...
9 comments:
"For the past year or so, the company has been winning big with its "Mega Mac" offering, essentially a Big Mag with four patties, which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago before the shift in eating habits"
you mention a shift in eating habits...could you elaborate further? Do you mean the population has gradulally adopted larger portions and different (albeit) unhealthier diets?
Definitely the postwar period had been a long gradation from the old Japanese diet to a more Western one, with steak and hamburgers and other Western foods. Less rice consumed per person every year, although still a huge amount, compared to what we'd ever eat. This Mega Mac the first bold example of companies teaching Japan to "Super Size" but I wonder if more will come. Hopefully people will resist the temptation...
the big mistake McDonald's makes, maybe over there, too, is making things ahead, and letting the stuff sit. Wendy's makes each sandwich fresh: waaay better!
When I lived in Korea, there was a Burger King I would go to when I wanted some semblance of home and knowing what I would order. But it was not always uneventful, when I ordered set menu 3, and somehow ended up being given 3 of set menu 3. Thankfully I was able to get the cleared up, even without knowing any Korean.
They get all the good stuff in Japan, and here in the middle of NOWhere we have to Gag down the cardboard McD's. Wish they would make some updates to the menus. I am hungry for a teriyaki Mac, Hold the supersize. Already too big for the "Looking for a Japanese girlfriend" shirt.
They could add that, yes. It'd sell pretty well, I'm sure. They also have the Teritama right now, Teriyaki Mac with an egg on top.
i was just commenting on the shakashaka potato sensation. i think the u.s. could use a bit of that. i was also wondering if the mcdonald corp. sends fries to all their locations worldwide. they were surprisingly similar in taste while other items feel different.
Man, I wish we had that McTeriyaki! I would definitely get that! I was able to buy McDonalds when I was at Narita Airport but I didn't see this! I was able to try the Chaka Chaka Chicken though! lol
They don't have the shaka shaka in the U.S., AC? Bummer. When I'm in the U.S. there so much good food that I rarely hit McD, as other "lowest common denominator" foods are more exotic, so I didn't notice it. Yes, seems like a no-brainer. They could adjust the flavors to fit local tastes, like "Billy Bob Spicy Fries" or something.
John, yes, they could certainly do the Teriyaki as they've done McRib, bring it in for a few weeks to shake things up. I'd also love to see Matcha shakes, but that might be wishing for too much.
Post a Comment