How McDonald's Conquered FranceThe fast-food chain's most surprising success.
Posted Thursday, June 25, 2009, at 1:43 PM ET
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StumbleUponDaniel Gross explained why America's food and products are so popular beyond its borders. Sam Schechner explained how McDonald's and other fast-food restaurants measure calories. Kim Iskyan reported on the introduction of the chicken sandwich to Kyrgyzstan.
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I have done work in McDo and live in France, and I must say, its managers are savvy and extremely clever. The food is good and inexpensive and they adapt to French tastes. It is successful because it is better. The other hamburger joints (like Whataburger) failed in large part because the quality was lower and the price higher. McDo also opened the kitchens to explain what they do and buy from French groups. While we may lament the decline of the local bistro, it is not McDo's fault, but the methods of industrial food. There are worse companies than McDo.
-- rjcrawford33
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