McDonald’s is just not as hip as it used to be. Even though the restaurant chain boasts more than 14,000 locations across America, it’s not Millenials’ first fast food choice. Or their second, third, fourth fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth or tenth (ouch!). Why Millenials aren’t turning to McDonalds for cheap eats is unclear, but here’s a few potential reasons they’re looking elsewhere.
1. Disgusting Food
This, ladies and gentlemen is what a McDonald’s hamburger patty looks like when it arrives on your table. ‘Nuff said.
2. Fourth Meal
McDonald’s is often open longer and later than its competitors but Taco Bell and Wendy’s have done a better job marketing to drunk college students with the munchies in their “Fourth Meal” and “Open Late” campaigns, respectively.
3. Food Costs
Why spend $6 on a bland McDonalds’ meal deal when you could spend roughly the same amount on a large, savory Chipotle Burrito Bowl with better toppings?
4. Unhealthy Food
Consumers don’t want to feel bad about themselves for eating out. It’s likely that young people – who are very appearance conscious – are flocking to restaurants like Subway and Baja Fresh because they have defined their brands as a healthy fast food options.
And let’s not forget about that 14-year-old Mickey Ds burger that still looked “fresh” even though it had not been refrigerated for years.
5. Boring Options
Other fast food restaurants like Wendy’s, Burger King & Taco Bell have more exciting menu items such as chili cheese fries, onion rings and nachos.
6. Supply and Demand
Part of the reason restaurants like Chipotle and Arby’s are alluring is because they’re not littered across cities, unlike McDonalds, which is usually one of the first buildings off the highway in nearly every city in the nation. People want what they can’t have.
7. Ronald McDonald
General rule of thumb: If a creepy looking clown invites you into his Playhouse, run the other way.
