McDonald's Franchisees Say the Company Is Facing a "Crisis Situation"

A recent franchisee survey shows that store owners have the worst outlook on the company in over 12 years.

Image via Steve Baker

Though James Franco's recent poetic endorsements would seem to suggest otherwise, McDonald's clearly hasn't watched the throne closely enough over the past few years.  In fact, a recent survey reveals that franchisees are now enduring the bleakest outlook for the fast food company in at least 12 years. Conducted by analyst Mark Kalinowski, the survey resulted in an average rating of 1.69 out of 5 for the company's six-month domestic business prospects.

"Corporate has no answers," says one franchise operator. "They are throwing ideas at the wall hoping something will stick. Their collective arrogance has come home to roost." Kalinowski's survey predicts that McDonald's will add another month to its four-month domestic sales decline — with sales expected to drop another 2.3 percent with the June report, according to Slate.

Of course, much of the McDonald's throne slippage can be attributed to a (hopefully continued) focus by Americans and other companies (even fast food) on healthier meal choices and higher wages. Furthermore, the ability to now have Taco Bell delivered directly to your door effectively cancels out the desire for the Golden Arches — despite McDonald's also offering the same service.

Latest in Pop Culture