Discussion:
McDonald’s largest fry producer closes factory; CEO blames $5 meals
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Judith Latham
2024-10-16 02:57:31 UTC
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Updated: Oct 15, 2024 / 05:31 PM CDT

(NewsNation) — “Do you want fries with that?”

America’s largest fast food chain may have a fry issue as its largest
supplier shuts off production and cuts costs at its Connell,
Washington, plant.

Listeria meat recall hits Walmart, Target, more stores
Lamb Weston, an Idaho-based company, announced the closure and a 4%
cut in its workforce at the beginning of the month. The news comes as
part of a restructuring plan expected to generate nearly $55 million
of pre-tax cost savings for the company in 2025.

“Lamb Weston is confident in the world’s ongoing love of fries — the
closure of one of our older facilities accounts for less than 5% of
our production capacity, so this adjustment simply helps address a
current supply-and-demand imbalance,” Lamb Weston spokesperson Teresa
Paulsen said in a statement to TODAY.com.

Now, Tom Werner, the CEO of Lamb Weston, is blaming McDonald’s $5 meal
deal, which was introduced back in May. The meal deal is supposed to
provide an affordable option for American families, especially during
a time when inflation remains the highest in recent history.

“Restaurant traffic and frozen potato demand, relative to supply,
continue to be soft, and we believe it will remain soft through the
remainder of fiscal 2025,” Werner said.

He said the steps to close one of its plants and cut costs is an
effort to remain proactive to improve operating efficiency,
profitability and cash flows.


https://www.newsnationnow.com/entertainment-news/food/mcdonalds-french-fries-production/
K Wills
2024-10-16 07:59:39 UTC
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On Tue, 15 Oct 2024 22:57:31 -0400, Judith Latham
<***@gmx.com> wrote:

[...]
Post by Judith Latham
Now, Tom Werner, the CEO of Lamb Weston, is blaming McDonald’s $5 meal
deal, which was introduced back in May. The meal deal is supposed to
provide an affordable option for American families, especially during
a time when inflation remains the highest in recent history.
I do wish Tom's reasoning had been included.
--
Bald guys never have a bad hair day.
Lil dwarf Rudey
2024-10-16 19:05:45 UTC
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Post by K Wills
I do wish Tom's reasoning had been included.
What happened to your old buddy Ken Smith and his gangstalking of Bob
Larson?



https://www.geocities.ws/defenderiam/
Greetings!

If you're reading this, it is probably because you are either
searching for truth concerning the legitimacy of Bob Larson
Ministries (and the "deliverance ministry" in general), or
perhaps you hold a strong opinion one way or the other
concerning Rev. Larson�s ministry. Whatever the case,
Welcome!

The following essay represents my personal opinions in
defense of Bob Larson Ministries. I am NOT affiliated
with Bob Larson Ministries. Additionally, I do not know
Bob Larson personally, although I have attended his
conference and witnessed his speaking and deliverance
personally.

I chose to create this page in hopes of offering some sort
of defense from the many websites that now attack Bob
Larson and his ministry. In particular, the parody site
operated by one Ken Smith of Colorado called the �Bob
Larson Fan Club�. This site is somewhat unavoidable for
those seeking BLM�s (Bob Larson Ministries) real
homepage by way of a search engine.

It is because of my fear that fellow Christians may stumble across this
(or some similar) website and come to think of the deliverance ministry
as �fake�, I have decided that it is worthwhile to make a few points
and present them here

This page is intentionally short and right to the point. I don't have
the time or the resources to create an exhaustive presentation. If you
are not satisfied by my writings and would like to further discuss the
matter, feel free to email me.

So, right to it then:

So, why do I not find what Ken Smith has to say very compelling?

Well, in the first place:

To my knowledge, Ken Smith does not know Bob Larson personally. Yet,
somehow he manages to tell us the many, VERY personal, very immoral,
things that Rev. Larson supposedly spends his time doing in the privacy
of his home or hotel room. I would argue that these accusations of
personal misconduct, even if they were true, shouldn�t be possible for
Ken Smith (or anyone) to know any more than it should be possible for
this writer to tell you, the reader, what you had for dinner last night.
These allegations of Bob taking part in things like child molestation,
satanism, and adultery are clearly fabricated for the purpose of slander.

Additionally, from what I can gather on his website, Ken Smith does not
work in law or law enforcement. He does not work for the IRS nor is he
a Christian or minister of any persuasion (in fact, he is a deist). Yet
he manages to carelessly hurl a number of serious legal and ethical
accusations at B.L.M.--everything from illegal personal conduct, to
federal tax fraud, to Bob Larson�s supposed crimes against the church.
(Which is just a bizarre thing for someone who is not a Christian to
propose in and of it�s self really.)

Nevertheless, something should be said in the way of a defense.

So, Why is Bob Larson not defending himself from these allegations?

Well, I think I can understand why he doesn�t bother to respond to
people like Ken Smith. Remember, Smith�s allegations aren�t coming
from a police officer, IRS auditor, legal prosecutor, etc. My guess is
that Bob Larson has better things to do than publicly refute fanatical
accusations coming from some random critic who�s website has all the
compelling rationale of an Alice Cooper concert!

A side note before I get to some points: I must immediately suggest that
Mr. Smith appears to be a deeply disturbed individual. By this, I do
not mean that he is a man who is under some evil or demonic influence
necessarily. What I am saying is that any person that takes time to
read over his very morbid website, which includes little side jokes such
as �How to cook Bob Larson� and papers which he proposes are Rev.
Larson�s actual handwritten tax forms and personal diary, need not
rule out the prospect that this man suffers from possible mental health
issues to the likes of schizophrenia. In fact, as of when this essay
was written, Mr. Smith�s website offered �witches�,
�atheists�, and I suppose any other Larson haters personal
directions to Rev. Larson�s Colorado home! If Bob Larson really is
taking legal action towards Mr. Smith as Smith's website suggest, then I
hope, for Rev. Larson�s sake, a restraining order is in the works!

So, what of the allegations?

I�m not going to touch on everything that Ken Smith has written, just
the things that I feel are worthy of discussion.

Concerning BLM finances: Perpetual going out of business sale?

As far as I can tell, BLM does set goals and then push hard to get
support. For example, a recent BLM email I received urgently pressed for
financial support to build up more ministry teams. So, Yes, they are
urgently asking for financial support, not at the threat of the
ministry�s going under so much as the threat of not being able to
obtain the goals they�ve set. This is ethically consistent with any
well-run organization.

Concerning Bob Larson�s pay: Ken Smith says Bob Larson is too wealthy.

Right away I�ll say that I have no idea how much money Bob Larson
makes. Frankly, It doesn�t even matter to me what his salary is as
long as his ministry is really helping people (and it is). I suggest
that Bob Larson could (and should) be fairly well-off considering he has
written so many books which have sold so well. But still, I don�t
know Rev. Larson�s salary and I would suggest that neither does Ken Smith.

But doesn�t Ken Smith have tax forms that show Larson�s outrageous
annual salary, and other forms that hint of tax fraud?

Does it not seem strange that on his website, Mr. Smith just happens to
have a copy of Bob Larson�s handwritten tax forms? I think this is
truly laughable. I mean, does he really expect us to believe that Bob
Larson scribbles up his own taxes with an ink pen, and then
irresponsibly makes numerous copies of these personal forms, which
somehow find their way in the hands of critics like Smith? C�mon!
This is obviously a fake, fabricated by Ken Smith.

In fact, If you just take the time to look at the scanned images of all
of the �evidence� on Smith�s website, you immediately realize how
all the forms, documents, and letters have sort of a �Hollywood�
fabricated look to them. Many look like they were keyed up on some
early 20th century typewriter while they all have the look of �top
secret� documents in a James Bond film.

To anyone who is honestly concerned with BLM�s finances: let�s not
forget that we can rest assured. If Bob Larson, or anyone else here in
the United States violates tax laws or steals from not-for-profit
organizations then we have this amazing super power called the IRS. They
put people who do these types of things in jail.

Did Bob Larson really write the book �Dead Air�?

Ken Smith says that a certain disgruntled former employee of Larson�s
actually wrote this popular Larson novel.

Well consider the following:

I think the old adage �You write what you know� is helpful here.
Although I haven�t read this book, I did find a helpful review on
Amazon.com. Apparently the plot of this novel concerns a radio talk
show host who helps a teen-age, female caller that is suffering from
satanic abuse. Remind you of anybody? This is obviously Larson�s idea.

Besides, Bob Larson himself admits that he received some help on this
novel but the plot and story ideas were his. I see no reason to doubt
him considering he has written well over twenty other books.

Ken Smith says Bob Larson is an adulterer because he was divorced and
re-married.

I think this is a fairly ridiculous accusation really. Bob Larson is not
perfect and ministers aren�t supposed to be perfect. There�s
nothing to refute here at all really. Apparently, Bob was divorced and
remarried. Is this a sin? Maybe. Does this mean Bob is not fit to be a
minister today? No. (See Romans 7:15 quote below)

Ken Smith says Bob Larson had a sexual affair and therefore shouldn�t
be in the ministry.

I don�t see any reason to believe this at all really. Ken Smith gives
us a couple of reasons to think that Bob is a womanizer/adulterer and I
don�t find them compelling.

The first reason is that Ken Smith supposedly has read of infidelity in
Larson�s own personal diary (which Smith apparently has in his
possession).

Why Ken Smith has Bob Larson�s diary in the first place is a great
mystery to be explained in it�s self. It�s absurd really. But
let�s give Smith the benefit of the doubt to make a point. If he does
have Larson�s diary, that means we ARE necessarily expected to believe
that Bob Larson:
A. Keeps a diary in the first place, which in all honesty in not
something that many men do.
B. Writes incriminating information in this diary.
C. Throws it in the trash the night that Ken Smith goes �dumpster
diving�--rather than burning it of course.

Ken Smith is obviously making this stuff up.

The second reason is because Smith tells us that specific former
employees have legal confidentiality agreements with BLM and this
somehow proves that Larson is out to cover up his promiscuous tracks.

My question is, how do we know that these confidentiality agreements
(assuming they really exist in the first place) have ANYTHING to do with
sex or anything personal for that matter. These agreements may be
concerning how the ministry was run or any number of things. And because
Bob Larson is something of a public figure, perhaps it is just
commonplace for everyone he works with to sign a confidentiality agreement.

Consider this: As a teenager, I worked in a fast food restaurant. While
I was employed there I was given a memo that said in the event of a
public incident (theft, fire, etc) I was REQUIRED not to talk with any
person in the media or otherwise about the incident.
Bob Larson may have similar agreements in place with his help.

I think it�s obvious that Smith is just looking for any angle to
accuse Bob Larson.

Finally. I have a few suggestions for someone who would critique a
minister that had committed some type sexual sin, (Though I see no
reason to think Bob Larson has).

Just because a minister sins:
1. It doesn�t mean that this person is currently living that
lifestyle, and
2. I don�t think it necesarily means he is unfit to be a minister. For
example, DURING his ministry Paul wrote:
I don�t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is
right, but I don�t do it. Instead, I do the very thing that I hate.
Romans 7:15

This shows that even ministers aren�t perfect

Ken Smith and other critics say that exorcisms are fake.

There is so much to say about this topic that I would have to write an
entirely new essay to address everything.

Let me just say that exorcisms are Biblical and if you are a Christian
that rejects the idea of demons, you are obviously picking and choosing
what you want to believe.

To those who proclaim that deliverance and exorcism are not real, I
challenge you to prove it. It's not enough to just say "that must be fake".

The way I see it, if the exorcisms performed by Bob Larson are fake,
then there are only two possibilities:

1. Bob Larson is staging his exorcisms with actors.

2. There is some psychological reason why people "act out" as if demons
are talking out of them.

The problem with the theory that these exorcisms are staged is that Bob
Larson has performed (atleast) hundreds of public exorcisms. What a
ridiculous scheme it would be to hire hundreds of actors to fake such a
thing! Many of them would be coming forward to tell all and cash in by
exposing such a scheme to the network tv media! Yet no one has done
such a thing.

The problem with declaring exorcisms to be purely psychological
manifestations is that you have to explain why in the world someone
would "pretend" or act out as if there is a demon inside them. You have
to describe what anthropological or psychological need would cause not
just one person, but thousands of people to speak in bizzare voices and
scream and yell at the specific mention of the name of Jesus. I don't
see any other explanation except that it is real.

Let me finish by saying that I believe that Bob Larson is a legitimate
minister.

Is he a bit eccentric? Most definitely. Bob Larson is not your average
minister, but he is helping people overcome demonic strongholds in their
life.

I would urge you to go to one of Bob Larson's conferences and see for
yourself that deliverance is real.

If you are questioning the reality of God, demons, and exorcisms, I
would suggest that you to pray and ask for guidance and understanding.
Also, open up your Bible and read!



https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/us-10th-circuit/1214454.html
MummyChunk
2024-10-17 00:40:28 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Judith Latham
Updated: Oct 15, 2024 / 05:31 PM CD
(NewsNation) — “Do you want fries with that?
America’s largest fast food chain may have a fry issue as it
larges
Post by Judith Latham
supplier shuts off production and cuts costs at its Connell
Washington, plant
Listeria meat recall hits Walmart, Target, more stores
Lamb Weston, an Idaho-based company, announced the closure and a 4
cut in its workforce at the beginning of the month. The news come
a
Post by Judith Latham
part of a restructuring plan expected to generate nearly $5
millio
Post by Judith Latham
of pre-tax cost savings for the company in 2025
“Lamb Weston is confident in the world’s ongoing love of fries
th
Post by Judith Latham
closure of one of our older facilities accounts for less than 5% o
our production capacity, so this adjustment simply helps address
current supply-and-demand imbalance,” Lamb Weston spokesperso
Teres
Post by Judith Latham
Paulsen said in a statement to TODAY.com
Now, Tom Werner, the CEO of Lamb Weston, is blaming McDonald’s $
mea
Post by Judith Latham
deal, which was introduced back in May. The meal deal is suppose
t
Post by Judith Latham
provide an affordable option for American families, especiall
durin
Post by Judith Latham
a time when inflation remains the highest in recent history
“Restaurant traffic and frozen potato demand, relative to supply
continue to be soft, and we believe it will remain soft through th
remainder of fiscal 2025,” Werner said
He said the steps to close one of its plants and cut costs is a
effort to remain proactive to improve operating efficiency
profitability and cash flows
https://www.newsnationnow.com/entertainment-news/food/mcdonalds-french-fries-production

Thi
article highlights Lamb Weston's decision to close its Connell
Washington, plant and blames McDonald’s $5 meal deal for the downtur
in demand. However, this argument sidesteps the broader issues tha
Lamb Weston and similar companies face today

The reality is that the fast food industry is dynamic, and deman
fluctuates based on numerous factors, including economic conditions
consumer preferences, and competition. Lamb Weston's closure of a
older facility represents a necessary step in optimizing thei
operations and remaining competitive in an ever-changing market. Whil
it is easy to point fingers at McDonald's innovative pricing strategy
the root cause lies deeper within the industry's need for continuou
adaptation and efficiency improvements

McDonald's $5 meal deal offers an accessible option for familie
during economically challenging times and underscores the importanc
of providing value to customers. Rather than criticizing McDonald’
for meeting consumer needs, it is crucial to recognize the broade
economic landscape that influences production decisions. Companie
like Lamb Weston must focus on modernizing their operations, investin
in technology, and finding creative solutions to maintain thei
competitive edge

Ultimately, the closure of a single plant should be viewed as part o
a larger strategy to enhance productivity and sustainability withi
the industry. Blaming McDonald's for economic realities and evolvin
market demands diverts attention from the essential task of innovatin
and evolving to meet the challenges of the future

By addressing these underlying issues, the industry as a whole ca
emerge stronger and more resilient, ensuring a steady supply o
beloved products like fries for generations to come


This is a response to the post seen at
http://www.jlaforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=676237166#67623716
John Davis
2024-10-17 21:45:22 UTC
Reply
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Post by Judith Latham
Updated: Oct 15, 2024 / 05:31 PM CDT
(NewsNation) — “Do you want fries with that?”
America’s largest fast food chain may have a fry issue as its largest
supplier shuts off production and cuts costs at its Connell,
Washington, plant.
When McDonald's was a single restaurant run by .. The McDonald brothers.
THey pealed their own potatoes...Alas how the mighty have fallen in the
quality control department.
--
There is no life Before Coffee
--
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
www.avast.com
Rock Stolid
2024-10-17 22:00:08 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by John Davis
Post by Judith Latham
Updated: Oct 15, 2024 / 05:31 PM CDT
(NewsNation) — “Do you want fries with that?”
America’s largest fast food chain may have a fry issue as its largest
supplier shuts off production and cuts costs at its Connell,
Washington, plant.
When McDonald's was a single restaurant run by .. The McDonald brothers.
THey pealed their own potatoes...Alas how the mighty have fallen in the
quality control department.
I believe In and Out makes theirs in house as they always have.



Centrifuge is a nice touch - have to keep that one away from any Iranians...

;-)
KlausSchadenfreude
2024-10-17 22:32:06 UTC
Reply
Permalink
On Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:00:08 -0600, Rock Stolid
Post by Rock Stolid
Post by John Davis
Post by Judith Latham
Updated: Oct 15, 2024 / 05:31 PM CDT
(NewsNation) ? ?Do you want fries with that??
America?s largest fast food chain may have a fry issue as its largest
supplier shuts off production and cuts costs at its Connell,
Washington, plant.
When McDonald's was a single restaurant run by .. The McDonald brothers.
THey pealed their own potatoes...Alas how the mighty have fallen in the
quality control department.
I believe In and Out makes theirs in house as they always have.
http://youtu.be/rzh2sJ766Ms
Centrifuge is a nice touch - have to keep that one away from any Iranians...
;-)
I found them to be an acquired taste. But, I easily acquired it.

I've never asked for them "well done" but the Animal Style are pretty
good.
Rock Stolid
2024-10-18 14:26:20 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by KlausSchadenfreude
On Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:00:08 -0600, Rock Stolid
Post by Rock Stolid
Post by John Davis
Post by Judith Latham
Updated: Oct 15, 2024 / 05:31 PM CDT
(NewsNation) ? ?Do you want fries with that??
America?s largest fast food chain may have a fry issue as its largest
supplier shuts off production and cuts costs at its Connell,
Washington, plant.
When McDonald's was a single restaurant run by .. The McDonald brothers.
THey pealed their own potatoes...Alas how the mighty have fallen in the
quality control department.
I believe In and Out makes theirs in house as they always have.
http://youtu.be/rzh2sJ766Ms
Centrifuge is a nice touch - have to keep that one away from any Iranians...
;-)
I found them to be an acquired taste. But, I easily acquired it.
Their fries are reminiscent of the original thicker cut Wendy's version.
Post by KlausSchadenfreude
I've never asked for them "well done" but the Animal Style are pretty
good.
+1
K Wills
2024-10-18 09:13:10 UTC
Reply
Permalink
On Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:00:08 -0600, Rock Stolid
Post by Rock Stolid
Post by John Davis
Post by Judith Latham
Updated: Oct 15, 2024 / 05:31 PM CDT
(NewsNation) ? ?Do you want fries with that??
America?s largest fast food chain may have a fry issue as its largest
supplier shuts off production and cuts costs at its Connell,
Washington, plant.
When McDonald's was a single restaurant run by .. The McDonald brothers.
THey pealed their own potatoes...Alas how the mighty have fallen in the
quality control department.
I believe In and Out makes theirs in house as they always have.
http://youtu.be/rzh2sJ766Ms
Centrifuge is a nice touch - have to keep that one away from any Iranians...
;-)
Stuxnet could ruin the fries. :-)
--
"Hail imp," shouted Vlad, the Imp Hailer.
Rock Stolid
2024-10-18 15:13:50 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by KlausSchadenfreude
On Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:00:08 -0600, Rock Stolid
Post by Rock Stolid
Post by John Davis
Post by Judith Latham
Updated: Oct 15, 2024 / 05:31 PM CDT
(NewsNation) ? ?Do you want fries with that??
America?s largest fast food chain may have a fry issue as its largest
supplier shuts off production and cuts costs at its Connell,
Washington, plant.
When McDonald's was a single restaurant run by .. The McDonald brothers.
THey pealed their own potatoes...Alas how the mighty have fallen in the
quality control department.
I believe In and Out makes theirs in house as they always have.
http://youtu.be/rzh2sJ766Ms
Centrifuge is a nice touch - have to keep that one away from any Iranians...
;-)
Stuxnet could ruin the fries. :-)
I didn't see a usb port, where is it?
D
2024-10-18 08:30:04 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by John Davis
Post by Judith Latham
Updated: Oct 15, 2024 / 05:31 PM CDT
(NewsNation) ? ?Do you want fries with that??
America?s largest fast food chain may have a fry issue as its largest
supplier shuts off production and cuts costs at its Connell,
Washington, plant.
When McDonald's was a single restaurant run by .. The McDonald brothers.
THey pealed their own potatoes...Alas how the mighty have fallen in the
quality control department.
Quality control? For the size of the organization, and their choosen
market, I find their quality control, and uniformity of product across all
countries on the planet absolutely amazing!
gm
2024-10-18 15:04:40 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by D
Quality control? For the size of the organization, and their choosen
market, I find their quality control, and uniformity of product across all
countries on the planet absolutely amazing!
Indeed...

There's a *reason* that when the first McDonald's opened in Moscow in
1990 it was a sensation; 15,000 lined up in Prague when the first
McDonald's there opened in 1992, etcetera...

Wiki:

"The first McDonald's in the USSR had a grand opening on Moscow's
Pushkin Square on 31 January 1990 with approximately 38,000 customers
waiting in hours long lines, breaking company records at the time. By
1997, there were 21 locations of the Russian chain..."

It took *years* to open these first Soviet McDonald's, the company had
very high standards that had to be met in order to open, this included
very exacting standards for Soviet - grown potatoes, tomatoes, meat,
even condiments...

The Soviets also had to learn customer service, modern management...

Even in the states here there was a time when cheap cafes/eating places
were very "dodgy" in regards to hygiene, quality control, etc....

I don't eat McDonald's, but they are a "modern marvel" in many ways...

--
GM
D
2024-10-18 20:47:44 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by gm
Post by D
Quality control? For the size of the organization, and their choosen
market, I find their quality control, and uniformity of product across all
countries on the planet absolutely amazing!
Indeed...
There's a *reason* that when the first McDonald's opened in Moscow in
1990 it was a sensation; 15,000 lined up in Prague when the first
McDonald's there opened in 1992, etcetera...
"The first McDonald's in the USSR had a grand opening on Moscow's
Pushkin Square on 31 January 1990 with approximately 38,000 customers
waiting in hours long lines, breaking company records at the time. By
1997, there were 21 locations of the Russian chain..."
It took *years* to open these first Soviet McDonald's, the company had
very high standards that had to be met in order to open, this included
very exacting standards for Soviet - grown potatoes, tomatoes, meat,
even condiments...
The Soviets also had to learn customer service, modern management...
Even in the states here there was a time when cheap cafes/eating places
were very "dodgy" in regards to hygiene, quality control, etc....
I don't eat McDonald's, but they are a "modern marvel" in many ways...
--
GM
Very interesting, thank you for sharing! I had no idea, but I am not
surprised. I can still say that the people of eastern europe have a _lot_
to learn about customer service. Old habits die hard. ;)

My favourite example... I went to a small, local burger place, and ask
them for raw onion on my burger. They say it's impossible. I point out,
gently, that there is literally a fresh onion sitting on the counter about
30 cm from the guys hand. He responds... "so?". I very politely bring up
the idea, if it would not in fact be possible for him to chop the onion
and put pieces of it on top of the burger? He responds... "hmm, ok".

And this was one of the more successful attempts.
D
2024-10-19 09:22:28 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by D
Post by gm
Post by D
Quality control? For the size of the organization, and their choosen
market, I find their quality control, and uniformity of product across all
countries on the planet absolutely amazing!
Indeed...
There's a *reason* that when the first McDonald's opened in Moscow in
1990 it was a sensation; 15,000 lined up in Prague when the first
McDonald's there opened in 1992, etcetera...
"The first McDonald's in the USSR had a grand opening on Moscow's
Pushkin Square on 31 January 1990 with approximately 38,000 customers
waiting in hours long lines, breaking company records at the time. By
1997, there were 21 locations of the Russian chain..."
It took *years* to open these first Soviet McDonald's, the company had
very high standards that had to be met in order to open, this included
very exacting standards for Soviet - grown potatoes, tomatoes, meat,
even condiments...
The Soviets also had to learn customer service, modern management...
Even in the states here there was a time when cheap cafes/eating places
were very "dodgy" in regards to hygiene, quality control, etc....
I don't eat McDonald's, but they are a "modern marvel" in many ways...
--
GM
Very interesting, thank you for sharing! I had no idea, but I am not
surprised. I can still say that the people of eastern europe have a _lot_
to learn about customer service. Old habits die hard. ;)
My favourite example... I went to a small, local burger place, and ask them
for raw onion on my burger. They say it's impossible. I point out, gently,
that there is literally a fresh onion sitting on the counter about 30 cm
from the guys hand. He responds... "so?". I very politely bring up the
idea, if it would not in fact be possible for him to chop the onion and put
pieces of it on top of the burger? He responds... "hmm, ok".
And this was one of the more successful attempts.
Phew laddie!
That was some kindergarten grade educating you did right there.
Doing the lords work! He loves all his children, even if they don't love
him back. ;)
Rock Stolid
2024-10-19 16:22:01 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by D
Post by D
Post by gm
Post by D
Quality control? For the size of the organization, and their choosen
market, I find their quality control, and uniformity of product across all
countries on the planet absolutely amazing!
Indeed...
There's a *reason* that when the first McDonald's opened in Moscow in
1990 it was a sensation; 15,000 lined up in Prague when the first
McDonald's there opened in 1992, etcetera...
"The first McDonald's in the USSR had a grand opening on Moscow's
Pushkin Square on 31 January 1990 with approximately 38,000 customers
waiting in hours long lines, breaking company records at the time. By
1997, there were 21 locations of the Russian chain..."
It took *years* to open these first Soviet McDonald's, the company had
very high standards that had to be met in order to open, this included
very exacting standards for Soviet - grown potatoes, tomatoes, meat,
even condiments...
The Soviets also had to learn customer service, modern management...
Even in the states here there was a time when cheap cafes/eating places
were very "dodgy" in regards to hygiene, quality control, etc....
I don't eat McDonald's, but they are a "modern marvel" in many ways...
--
GM
Very interesting, thank you for sharing! I had no idea, but I am not
surprised. I can still say that the people of eastern europe have a
_lot_ to learn about customer service. Old habits die hard. ;)
My favourite example... I went to a small, local burger place, and
ask them for raw onion on my burger. They say it's impossible. I
point out, gently, that there is literally a fresh onion sitting on
the counter about 30 cm from the guys hand. He responds... "so?". I
very politely bring up the idea, if it would not in fact be possible
for him to chop the onion and put pieces of it on top of the burger?
He responds... "hmm, ok".
And this was one of the more successful attempts.
Phew laddie!
That was some kindergarten grade educating you did right there.
Doing the lords work! He loves all his children, even if they don't love
him back. ;)
Now THAT is something to put faith in!
gm
2024-10-19 09:50:20 UTC
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Permalink
Post by D
Post by gm
Post by D
Quality control? For the size of the organization, and their choosen
market, I find their quality control, and uniformity of product across all
countries on the planet absolutely amazing!
Indeed...
There's a *reason* that when the first McDonald's opened in Moscow in
1990 it was a sensation; 15,000 lined up in Prague when the first
McDonald's there opened in 1992, etcetera...
"The first McDonald's in the USSR had a grand opening on Moscow's
Pushkin Square on 31 January 1990 with approximately 38,000 customers
waiting in hours long lines, breaking company records at the time. By
1997, there were 21 locations of the Russian chain..."
It took *years* to open these first Soviet McDonald's, the company had
very high standards that had to be met in order to open, this included
very exacting standards for Soviet - grown potatoes, tomatoes, meat,
even condiments...
The Soviets also had to learn customer service, modern management...
Even in the states here there was a time when cheap cafes/eating places
were very "dodgy" in regards to hygiene, quality control, etc....
I don't eat McDonald's, but they are a "modern marvel" in many ways...
--
GM
Very interesting, thank you for sharing! I had no idea, but I am not
surprised. I can still say that the people of eastern europe have a _lot_
to learn about customer service. Old habits die hard. ;)
My favourite example... I went to a small, local burger place, and ask
them for raw onion on my burger. They say it's impossible. I point out,
gently, that there is literally a fresh onion sitting on the counter about
30 cm from the guys hand. He responds... "so?". I very politely bring up
the idea, if it would not in fact be possible for him to chop the onion
and put pieces of it on top of the burger? He responds... "hmm, ok".
And this was one of the more successful attempts.
Heh...

I still greatly remember my "conmmunist" resto experiences in the old
DDR and Czechoslovakia:

- you'd go to a resto, it would ve totally empty, but fully staffed.
"May I have a table, please?"... "No, sorry, all of our tables are
reserved...". It would be the same the next day and the next. The
explanation was that the place had fulfilled their monthly "plan", so
they basically closed down. Even if they had wanted to serve more
diners, they could not request extra food/drink over what "the plan" had
alloted them...

- a place would have a large decent menu, but only a very few items
might be available on a given day... so you would ask, "What do you have
today"?...

- restos were sorted by "grade", from low to high. A Grade II
restaurant would serve the exact same menu in all the Grade II restos,
no exceptions! There were some decent and interesting ethnic or
"speciality" restaurants though... some nice wine bars and beer pubs in
Prague, and there was a nice Russian resto in the local "House of Czech
- Soviet Friendship"...

- the higher - class places often only catered to the local high -
ranking communist clientele, or to "rich" visiting Westerners who could
pay in hard currency, e.g. DM, US Dollars... locals were basically
barred from these places, these were often in hard - currency only
hotels that catered to Westerners and local commie VIP's...

- service could be fine, or simply terrible - so the story about the
onion you tell above brings back memories, lol...!!!

--
GM
D
2024-10-19 17:00:03 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by gm
Post by D
Post by gm
Post by D
Quality control? For the size of the organization, and their choosen
market, I find their quality control, and uniformity of product across all
countries on the planet absolutely amazing!
Indeed...
There's a *reason* that when the first McDonald's opened in Moscow in
1990 it was a sensation; 15,000 lined up in Prague when the first
McDonald's there opened in 1992, etcetera...
"The first McDonald's in the USSR had a grand opening on Moscow's
Pushkin Square on 31 January 1990 with approximately 38,000 customers
waiting in hours long lines, breaking company records at the time. By
1997, there were 21 locations of the Russian chain..."
It took *years* to open these first Soviet McDonald's, the company had
very high standards that had to be met in order to open, this included
very exacting standards for Soviet - grown potatoes, tomatoes, meat,
even condiments...
The Soviets also had to learn customer service, modern management...
Even in the states here there was a time when cheap cafes/eating places
were very "dodgy" in regards to hygiene, quality control, etc....
I don't eat McDonald's, but they are a "modern marvel" in many ways...
--
GM
Very interesting, thank you for sharing! I had no idea, but I am not
surprised. I can still say that the people of eastern europe have a _lot_
to learn about customer service. Old habits die hard. ;)
My favourite example... I went to a small, local burger place, and ask
them for raw onion on my burger. They say it's impossible. I point out,
gently, that there is literally a fresh onion sitting on the counter about
30 cm from the guys hand. He responds... "so?". I very politely bring up
the idea, if it would not in fact be possible for him to chop the onion
and put pieces of it on top of the burger? He responds... "hmm, ok".
And this was one of the more successful attempts.
Heh...
I still greatly remember my "conmmunist" resto experiences in the old
- you'd go to a resto, it would ve totally empty, but fully staffed. "May I
have a table, please?"... "No, sorry, all of our tables are
reserved...". It would be the same the next day and the next. The
explanation was that the place had fulfilled their monthly "plan", so
they basically closed down. Even if they had wanted to serve more
diners, they could not request extra food/drink over what "the plan" had
alloted them...
- a place would have a large decent menu, but only a very few items
might be available on a given day... so you would ask, "What do you have
today"?...
- restos were sorted by "grade", from low to high. A Grade II
restaurant would serve the exact same menu in all the Grade II restos,
no exceptions! There were some decent and interesting ethnic or
"speciality" restaurants though... some nice wine bars and beer pubs in
Prague, and there was a nice Russian resto in the local "House of Czech
- Soviet Friendship"...
- the higher - class places often only catered to the local high -
ranking communist clientele, or to "rich" visiting Westerners who could
pay in hard currency, e.g. DM, US Dollars... locals were basically
barred from these places, these were often in hard - currency only
hotels that catered to Westerners and local commie VIP's...
- service could be fine, or simply terrible - so the story about the
onion you tell above brings back memories, lol...!!!
--
GM
This reminds me of about 20 years ago or so when I went to Riga, Latvia
for a business trip. We were quite a big group and had booked a few tables
in a restaurant, and for some reason, the menu was fixed. So after about
20 minutes or so, we start getting our food. One woman when she gets her
plate of beer and potatoes, says "I'm vegetarian" and the waier asks
"What's that?" and she explains. Do you have a vegetarian option? She
asks. Apparently not. But, he gets an idea!

2 minutes later he returns having scraped off all beef, and offers her a
plate with only potatoes!

Everyone was laughing and there was much rejoicing!
jmcquown
2024-10-21 22:11:59 UTC
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Permalink
Please remove the multiposter's other addresses D.
Like you did, Carol? And all the other troll claptrap?

Jill
Hiram Freeborn
2024-10-21 22:16:07 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Please remove the multiposter's other addresses D.
Like you did, Carol?  And all the other troll claptrap?
Jill
Looks like it's bully bitch time again.
D
2024-10-22 08:42:43 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Hiram Freeborn
Please remove the multiposter's other addresses D.
Like you did, Carol?  And all the other troll claptrap?
Jill
Looks like it's bully bitch time again.
Yes, and this worries me. This "bully pleasure woman" attitude simply
won't do. =(
Hiram Freeborn
2024-10-22 15:18:27 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by D
Post by Hiram Freeborn
Please remove the multiposter's other addresses D.
Like you did, Carol?  And all the other troll claptrap?
Jill
Looks like it's bully bitch time again.
Yes, and this worries me. This "bully pleasure woman" attitude simply
won't do. =(
It cycles back and forth, but the periodicity is to more frequency.
Carol
2024-10-24 20:51:43 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by jmcquown
Please remove the multiposter's other addresses D.
Like you did, Carol? And all the other troll claptrap?
Jill
We all miss one at times.
Hank Rogers
2024-10-24 21:27:16 UTC
Reply
Permalink
Post by Carol
Post by jmcquown
Please remove the multiposter's other addresses D.
Like you did, Carol? And all the other troll claptrap?
Jill
We all miss one at times.
Hahahahahahahaha. You seem to miss a lot of her Majesty's proclamations.

Do you do this just to piss her off? One day, she might ban your ass.
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