Competition And Labor Laws In Turkey

Competition and Labor Laws in Turkey

According to our research competition will not be an issue to not go, but be something to focus our attention on. Turkey's largest city, Istanbul, has a population of 15 million(source) and is home to everything from Burger Kings to a Hyatt Regency Hotel. Unlike most of the country, Istanbul would be a prime location for McDonalds because it's the most modern city with the largest population. "Burger King, the biggest fast-food chain in Turkey, advertises a seasonal Sultan's Menu: a burger, fries, a soft drink, tea, two chocolate-dipped baklava pastries and a fresh date, the fruit that Muhammad is said to have eaten to break his own fast"(Fowler, par. 19). This for example is going to be McDonald's largest concern competition wise in Istanbul because they are already well established and have turned their menu towards the culture that is 99% Muslim. "The 27-year-old Burger King chain, with about 3,000 domestic outlets, has about half the number that McDonald's has and no chance of catching up because both are adding stores at about the same rate." (Dougherty par.12) Although in the American Market Burger King does not pose much of a threat to the McDonalds Empire, apparently its vice versa in Turkey where Burger King is truly the King of fast food. To counter Burger Kings efforts we are going to have to tune our menu as well and appeal to their culture, for example incorporating some typical Muslim food onto our value menu or creating a value meal like Burger King. "Another problem could be that the term "fast food" in Istanbul more often means ready-cooked wholesome Turkish food than the American concept. Many restaurants display trays of prepared stews and vegetable dishes in the window" (Askey-Doran, par. 6). This poses a problem because the appeal of McDonalds is fast food that the customer knows what they are getting every time, potentially these Turkish fast-food restaurants due the same but with more of a home cooked feel with their native foods. Fast food chains offer a "meal" that is predictable, sold in surroundings that are the same from New York to Tokyo. The food sold is easy to eat, requires little or no cutlery, and is advertised to death. In short, no effort is required. "...People in Istanbul are conflicted about how much tradition should be abandoned as Turkey, which is seeking European Union membership, increasingly adopts Western ways."(Fowler, par.7). According to Fowler an increasing number of Hip young Turks are still dining in cafes during Ramadan when Muslim tradition is for a month long fast. Ultimately despite a few efforts by already established dining in Turkey and the cultural differences, McDonalds should integrate quite well with its current menu and should continue to grow according