As far as I can tell the whole appeal of McDonald's is bland but edible food, quickly, at a low price.

Over the years, they've switched to what appears to be a prepare by order method so it's no longer quick (it used to be on the little racks behind them, all pre-made), and it's no longer cheap (especially if you get delivery and therefore immediately send half your dinner money to a Silicon Valley billionaire). It's not quite Burger King levels of pricing, but it's getting close.

The only thing they've got left is bland but edible, and that's only desirable if you're feeding a bunch of picky children.

There are so many better places to eat, and they don't cost an enormous amount more.

Oh no!

.... Anyway.

I don't get fast food often, but I did go to McDonald's a week or two ago. I learned that they replaced their fountains so that they no longer dispense water, so you can't get a free cup of water anymore. You have to buy a bottle of water or a soda.

I don't intend on ever returning to a McDonald's.

$12 🤔 No, $15😀🤭 Me rethinks.

the firm would lean on discounts to try to stop the sales decline

So not even price cuts, just temporary discounts. Eff off!

I went to an Asian mall in my city the other day. My wife and I got these two huge containers of food+bubble tea and dessert. Came out to $16 for the two of us. A big Mac meal costs about $18 now where I am. Fuck that place, I used to go every week. Now I haven't been in over a year.

They were making way too much money to begin with, nevermind growth.

Also McDonald's is just a real estate company, I'm guessing the franchisees are complaining they aren't going to stick around.

Any time I try to get fast food I see what they’re charging for it and remember steak is $10 a pound. Steak and frozen veg with a baked potato for about the same price.

Their food sucks. 🤷‍♂️

As someone who used to be a daily fast food eater, I'm just proud that these greedy fast food chains have forever lost me as a customer. Ethics aside, after not eating at these places for so long, I now get to compare the experience to the local places around me or my own cooking skills. The only way I'd ever go back to one of these fast food joints I used to frequent daily is if they provide a better value than myself or the local restaurants here. And the local quick service places here give you a ton of good food instantly for under $10, which I know McDonalds et al will never reach again.

They should just quadruple the prices and make it an elite experience,

In part due to boycotts btw.