Mcdonalds

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McDonald's has changed the way all companies market their products, the open market has made the competition so great that new ways have had to been made to deal with the world market. McDonald's has been a forerunner in the formation of this market. There strides in Global marketing, food sales, and marketing alliances has made them one of the world leaders in fast food restaurants.

McDonald's brand is in 122 countries around the world. Thirty thousand locations serve 51 million customers each day. More than 70 percent of McDonald's restaurants around the world are owned and operated by independent local businesspeople. In addition to its effect on business standards, McDonald's has also been instrumental in changing local customs. By popularizing the idea of a quick restaurant meal, McDonald's led to the easing or elimination of various taboos, such as eating while walking in Japan. McDonald's also flattens the social strata during dining -- there is no problem of losing face for certain. McDonald's multi-national, multi-billion dollar business and standardized products and procedures have come to symbolize globalization and the American way of life, the company has often found itself a target of activism and a focal point of public debate. In particular, it has generated much discussion about corporate ethics, consumer responsibility, obesity, and the environment.

.In addition, the company operates other restaurant brands, such as Aroma CafÐ"©, Boston Market, and has a minority stake in Pret a Manger. Until December 2003 it also owned Donatos Pizza. It also has a subsidiary, Redbox, which in 2003 started as 18-foot wide automated convenience stores, but as of 2005 has focused on DVD rental machines.

Most standalone McDonald's restaurants offer both counter and drive-through service, with

McWorld pg.3

indoor and sometimes outdoor seating. The Drive-Thru, Auto-Mac, or McDrive as it is known in many countries, often has separate stations for placing, paying for, and picking up orders, though the former two steps are frequently combined. In some countries "McDrive"