The Summer Of Love (40 years later)

1967 was a very special year in America. In fact, it has become known as The Summer of Love.

Back in the day it seemed that the epicenter of The Summer of Love was in San Francisco, CA - and the hippy HQ of that city was the Haight Ashbury area.

At the end of Haight Street sits a McDonald's, one which the McChronicles has perused previously. In a previous post we expressed disappointment with the store's lack of local "theme". After all, lots of McDonald's are decorated with a local flavor. This store has the PERFECT opportunity to use all sorts of psychedelic design and stuff. Alas, it is not to be.

On the 40th anniversary of The Summer of Love we checked back in only to find the store dirty and peppered with homeless/street people. After dropping in, we decided to NOT eat there. Those who know The McChronicles realize that this is rare, indeed.

Sad.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with McDonald's.
Images: The McChronicles.

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McDonald's LARGEST PlayPlace*

*indoors, on the US east coast.

OK - even with the qualifications, this sounded great. So The McChronicles swung by and checked it out. So, how was it??? In a word, we were disappointed.

The store is #10029 and it is in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania. The service was warm and friendly, the food was fast and warm. Cleanliness - typical.

But ... the PlayPlace apparently wins the distinction on a technicality. It really didn't look "big". In fact, had we not known of the distinction, we would have never guessed that it was the record holder. We were hoping for something really impressive.

Is it worth visiting for the PlayPlace? No.
Is it worth visiting for the QSC? Yes!

PS: In the 2nd image you can just make out an ice cream counter on the right hand side. This reminded The McChronicles of an awesome McDonald's - in Cortland, NY. If you want to see an incredible store - with an amazing ice cream stand within, go to Cortland.


The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Images: The McChronicles.

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Death of a McDonald's

The Sangertown Square Mall McDonald's closed last week.

One of The McChronicles' hometown McDonalds disappeared. News reports indicated the reason was the inability to agree on a lease price for mall space. A great fast-food option is gone. Today the signs are down and the store front is boarded up.

Yes, there are other McDonalds in the area (in fact, another McDonalds is right acress the street from the mall). But who leaves a mall for a Coke and a burger while in the middle of shopping? It is the convenience that was so great about this store.

It is rare for a McDonalds to close - yet here we have two in a row.

Sad.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonalds.
Image: the former Sangertown Square Mall McDonald's: The McChronicles

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McDonald's Skate-Thru

We've all heard of a McDonald's Drive-Thru. But have you heard of a McDonald's Skate-Thru?

Singapore's East Coast Park is where you will find this innovative concept. The East Coast Park is home to athletic-minded Singaporeans who are fast, fun, and on the go. Separating skaters from people on foot is usually a smart move, and catering to the "locals" is always a plus. In this case, the locals wear wheels. Perfect!

This restaurant really rocks! There are so many people enjoying the park - and many drop by McDonald's for a bite to eat. During this visit it was extremely crowded.

Do you know of any other Skate-Thrus? If so, please comment.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: The McChronicles

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McDonald's Meltdown

Say it ain't so!

Two McDonald's in The McChronicles home region are either closed or closing.

OLD FORGE, NY:
This recreation/vacation community's McDonald's went from being year-round to seasonal, to closed. The series of pictures show the sad evolution. At the top we see the store when it was rocking. In the middle we see the store as it sat, mothballed, during the winter season. At the bottom we see the store as it sits today, stripped of much of the McDonald's logo, signage, and flags. How sad.

Now the closest McDonald's is about 1 hour away.

NEW HARTFORD, NY:
New Hartford's Sangertown Square Mall has had a McDonald's for years. It was just announced that this store will close at the end of June.

This store was extremely handy - and a favorite of The McChronicles. The crew was usually very friendly. While there are other McDonald's nearby, we have lost this great option while within the mall.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Images: The McChronicles.

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Cashiers in Quick-Service

QSR Magazine recently published an excellent article regarding the role of the customers' #1 point of contact, the front-line cashier.


Author TJ Schier wrote:

From a customer point of view, in a quick-service operation, and most fast-casual operations, the customer spends more time with the cashier than with any other employee. However, cashiers are often the least trained.

The article also offered this:

The cashier is the face of your brand. They are the salesperson of your brand. They determine line speed and sales and play a critical role in customer service and order accuracy. Before you put someone on the register, tempted as you might be to throw them into the position, train them on the following:

• The menu
• Customer Service
• Food Delivery Method
• Selling Skills
• The POS (cash register/computer)

Read the article here.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's.
Image: McDonalds.com screen grab.

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BEYOND The Drive Thru

So , there we were, waiting in the world's longest queue at the San Ysidro US/Mexico border crossing. After a loooong week of fun in the sun we were tired ... and hungry. Especially since we knew there was a McDonald's somewhere in the vicinity.

As we waited (literally for hours) we noticed all sorts of street vendors selling artwork, souvenirs, and food. As we got closer to the border we realized that there was no mainstream fast food available for us to run to from our cars. So, we did the next best thing.

We wrote up an order and handed it (along with cash) to a vendor (in no way was he associated with McDonald's). He took off running and, in minutes, he served up an almost accurate order that was piping hot.

You can't imagine our delight after being without McDonald's for almost one week.

Next time you're caught in traffic, consider MAKING THINGS happen. It can be well worth it.

PS: If even 1% of the people waiting in that line are like The McChronicles, then McDonald's should consider setting up something similar to our homegrown "almost" drive thru.

The McChronicles: a blog about, not affiliated with, McDonald's. Images: The McChronicles.

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