McDonald’s learning a thing or two about design & innovation
-via Associated PressDanish Modern furniture. Flat-screen TVs. Free Wi-Fi.You want fries with that?A McDonald’s in midtown Manhattan became the first in the U.S. this fall to undergo a sleek, European-style makeover similar to what McDonald’s has done at thousands of outlets around in France and the United Kingdom.The eatery is outfitted with outlets for plugging in laptops, upholstered vinyl chairs instead of Fiberglas seats bolted to the floor, subdued lighting and employees whose all-black uniforms suggest a hip boutique.“It’s like a lounge,” said Kimberly Burgess, one of many patrons who did a double take after entering the newly renovated restaurant in Manhattan’s Chelsea section. “It’s so different from all the other McDonald’s. It’s beautiful.”
The transformation this company has gone through this decade really is an outstanding case study in innovating and adapting to the marketplace. They’ve really adapted to the marketplace and completely dominate their (low-cost) niche. They’ve been able to compete with the Starbucks of the world while staying true to who they are. Now they’re revamping their stores with $2.4 billion in capital spending in 2010. Bravo!
