Arda Akgül

What Makes Mcdonald's Awesome?

Arda Akgül ·

There must be something universally comforting about the Golden Arches of Mcdonald’s. For lots of people, it’s a taste of home, a reliable friend on a road trip, or a quick, satisfying meal after a long day. But what is it about McDonald’s that makes it special to so many people, including myself? Let’s see the reasons why I and almost 70 million of people keep prefering Mcdonald’s.

Why do I eat from Mcdonald’s?

For me, eating at McDonald’s is something chill. For some people, it is warm childhood memories and the feeling of a familiar treat. This isn’t just a personal feeling; “nostalgic marketing” is a known strategy that McDonald’s has mastered. The brand promotes these shared memories to build strong emotional connections with its customers. Beyond the nostalgia, there’s the predictability. The consistent menu at McDonald’s offers a welcome relief from decision fatigue. Generally, Big Mac is preferred. It’s a place where you know exactly what you’re going to get, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

“But it is really unhealthy!”

I get it. The “unhealthy” label is often about McDonald’s. And while it’s true that some menu items are high in calories and fat, it’s all about making informed choices. I often choose water instead of a coke, and enjoying a burger and fries in moderation is not something to worry about. McDonald’s has also made significant changes in menu diversification and transparency. They offer salads, fruit, and have reduced sodium in many items. With comprehensive nutritional information available, the power is in the hands of the consumer to build a meal that fits their dietary needs.

Big Mac Standard

The Big Mac is more than just a burger; it’s a global icon of standardization. The fact that a Big Mac tastes almost the same whether you’re in New York, London or Ankara is a testament to McDonald’s incredible global supply chain and quality control. This consistency is so reliable that The Economist magazine even uses the burger’s price in different countries as an economic indicator called the Big Mac Index. It’s a way to compare currency values and purchasing power across the globe, and it tells about the brand’s reach and uniformity.

A standard Big Mac Meal. 7/08/2025, Ankara.

A standard Big Mac Meal. 7/08/2025, Ankara.

Mcdonald’s is a Data-Driven Company

In today’s world, McDonald’s is also a tech company as it is a restaurant chain. They use data and artificial intelligence to enhance the customer experience. A good example is their acquisition of Dynamic Yield, a personalization platform. This allows them to customize the drive-thru menu boards based on factors like the time of day, weather, and traffic. Their mobile app and self-service kiosks collect valuable data on customer preferences, which helps them to predict demand, manage inventory, and even suggest new menu items you might enjoy.

Mcdonald’s is Efficient

The secret to McDonald’s speed and efficiency dates back to the “Speedee Service System” developed by the McDonald brothers in the 1940s (At this point, I recommend watching The Founder film). This assembly line approach to food preparation has been refined over the years and is still shilling the importance of their kitchen operations. Every task is standardized, from grilling potatos to assembling burgers, which minimizes errors and maximizes speed. This efficiency extends to their supply chain, which generally often relies on local suppliers to ensure fresh ingredients and support local economies.

Why do Donald Trump, Warren Buffett, and Bill Gates prefer Mcdonald’s?

It might seem surprising that some of the world’s wealthiest people and most powerful individuals eat McDonald’s, but it makes perfect sense when you think about it. For busy people like Donald Trump, Warren Buffett, and Bill Gates, time is their most valuable asset. McDonald’s offers a quick, consistent, and reliable meal, which eliminates the need to spend time and mental energy on deciding what and where to eat. It’s a prove to the fact that value and efficiency are important for everyone, regardless of their net worth.

Warren Buffett enjoys a Mcdonald’s meal.

Warren Buffett enjoys a Mcdonald's meal.

Mcdonald’s Türkiye Suppliers

In Türkiye, McDonald’s is a great example of their “glocal” strategy, which means they think globally but act locally. Around 98% of the products used in McDonald’s restaurants in Türkiye are sourced from local suppliers (McDonald’s Türkiye, 2024). This not only ensures that the menu is adapted to local tastes and preferences but also makes a significant contribution to the Turkish economy by supporting manufacturers and farmers. All products are also 100% halal certified so it ensures they meet the dietary needs of the local population.

Mcdonald’s Standards of Service

No matter where you are in the world, you can expect a certain standard of service at McDonald’s. This includes free Wi-Fi, clean toilets, and a familiar restaurant design. Recently, they’ve been using self-service kiosks, which have been a game-changer for me. They make the ordering process easier, waiting times reduced, and even help you discover new menu items. Also, the internet speed might not always be the fastest, it’s a reliable free Wi-Fi that keeps you connected.

Kiosk

Kiosks in a McDonald's in Ankara.

Internet speed would be better, but still works.

Internet speed would be better, but still works.

Conclusion

McDonald’s is more than just a fast food restaurant. It’s a global phenomenon that has achieved its status through a combination of smart marketing, operational efficiency, and a deep understanding of its customers. From its nostalgic appeal to embracing technology, McDonald’s would continue to evolve while staying true to its core values of quality, service, cleanliness, and value (QSC&V). It’s a brand that has truly mastered the art of being awesome.

References

#business #mcdonald's #supply chain #data #global brands

last updated: 07.08.2025

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