Starbucks...at war with McDonalds over menu items! Oatmeal never looked so tasty!

 Those with a keen eye probably noticed that two giants in the fast-food industry have been competing neck-in-neck for the almighty dollar in recent days.

The tactics each corporate entity has been engaged in to lure customers includes copy-catting menu items, for starters.

For example, when Starbucks sales started to slump, the trendy coffee-house introduced a "breakfast" sandwhich startling similar to the Egg McMuffin that McDonalds rolls out at the crack-of-dawn each day.

Seattle's "egg & sausage" upstart is tastier, though (because the ingredients are fresher and higher-quality).

But, breakie-lovers at Starbucks pay through the nose for the treat.

Meanwhile, over in Kroc territory, execs started scheming to find a successful way to snag a hefty share of the lucrative specialty java market.

Bingo!

Back at the "breast", McCafe brands started to fly across the counter faster than the pimply-faced overweight servers could rustle 'em up!

Ever-mindful of their client base (and likewise their penny-pinching habits) the brass wisely priced their java beverages a buck-or-so less than those on tap at Starbucks.

Then, shortly after Starbucks started to rake in the cash on "Oatmeal" sales (a nourishing breakfast meal offered up in a snazzy cup with a juggernaut of zesty nuts, chewy raisins, and delicious brown sugar on top) the Quaker dude's product mysteriously showed up on the shelves at McDonalds out-of-the-blue one day.

Imagine that!

Unfortunately - in contrast - the cereal that McDonalds serves up to its customers is usually stone cold and brimming with tasteless apple chips, rubbery raisins, and icky sweetener.

Eugh!

Starbucks is not offering any French Fries on the menu - well - not yet.

But, just betcha, a home-cooked style potato side-dish (like Grandma used to whip up in her kitchen at sunrise) would sell well alongside the breakfast sandwich.

Can't wait!

http://www.thetattler.biz

McDonald's...prices go up today! But, service remains shoddy...

If you dropped into McDonald's this morning for your favorite egg McMuffin, you must have been taken aback - like I was - when you got less cash back in your change.

The cashier must have overcharged 'ya, right?

Wrong!

Prices went up today, across the board, at the fast-food take-out!

And, their spanking-new breakfast menus reflect the changes.

The counter person shrugged.


"Prices are going up everywhere."

The hike is not outrageous.

But, for those in the lower income strata who have to pinch pennies to get by, there may be a bit of a financial strain.

Are businesses charging more for goods and services simply because the competition has begun the trend?

Or, is there a specific reason for the increase?



Business owners blame the high cost of fuel which trickles down and affects shipping and delivery costs.


In McDonald's case, there may be another reason.

Was it just a coincidence that new prices went into effect today on the heels of the announcement that the fast-food giant would boost dividends to stockholders?

It sum, it appears that McDonald's execs are taking away with one hand and giving back with another.

Clever!

Now, how about boosting the - freshness, quality, and nutrition value - of the food?

Service trends - or the lack thereof - are ready for a major overhaul, too.

For instance, of late it's rare, that the doors at the "golden arches" open promptly at 6 a.m. as advertised.

Notwithstanding, service personnel on tap at the counter tend to be inexperienced, lacking in communication skills - and quite generally - not very savvy in the customer relations department.

What ever happened to the concept of service with a smile?

Ray Kroc must be turning over in his grave!

Give 'em the old soft shoe...