Summary- McDonald's profitablilty

My essential research question at the beginning of this passion project was to understand what affects the profitability of McDonald's.  I was interested in this topic because a friend of mine's dad recently lost his job after working with the company for over 10 years. When he talked about it he said "McDonald's really isn't doing well right now" which was surprising because they are everywhere.

www.chicagotribune.com

        Throughout my research process I have uncovered the the relationship between McDonald's and their customers. McDonald's is the most popular fast food restaurant in the World. With over a billion stores and counting, minor changes to the business model results in changes of thousands of dollars. There are many factors that determine how the franchise will stand in the constantly changing business world. Since 2005 McDonald's has seen an increase in nearly 10 million dollars annually.  Part of this growth is accredited to the healthier menu options.

         Through thousands of letters and complaints McDonald's finally answered the demands in bringing breakfast to the all-day lunch/dinner menu. Deemed a "no brainer" , McDonald's had been holding out for the extreme makeover for years because it seemed that costs would out way the benefits. Through just one week of the menu change has resulted in a 4.5 percent increase in daily revenue. This new move comes after the chain hit its lowest quarterly growth in the past 3 years.

           For years McDonald's has been at the helm of fast food industry due to their inexpensive, quality food. However, the luxury of getting a burger on the run is a fad that has seen its end in an age where subway and Chipotle control the fast food market. McDonald's has began a transition to an intensive approach that includes table service and a thicker patty. In the article "McDonald's Beefs Up Its Range with a Meatier Mac" author, Saabira Chaudhuri, discusses the businesses new approach to fast food. 

      McDonalds has implemented many changes in the past year in an attempt to re attract the customers whom have supported them for years.