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☆ Leon Marchand, the king of the 2024 Olympic Games – and the club where it all began
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | by ( Tom Burrows | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +12 min

This is where a young Leon Marchand first swam. Coloma believes Marchand has been the star of the Olympic Games (Tom Burrows/The Athletic)“Everyone is talking about Leon here. Marchand started out at the small indoor winter pool, before graduating to the Olympic pool at the complex — which also has a huge 150m long summer pool. Knowing that someone like Leon Marchand swam here and became what he is today… it’s very inspiring. “Leon Marchand is the best possible flagship for the city that you can dream of — with Dupont as well.

Persons: “, ”, Michel Coloma, Coloma, Alfred, Leon Marchand, Marchand, Leon, He’s, it’s, ‘, Tom Burrows, didn’t, ‘ It’s, Xavier, Marcel Wouda, Celine Bonnet, Christophe, marchons ’, ‘ Marchand, ’, Kristof Milak, ‘ Ole ’, ” Marchand, Vatsyayana, Nakache, Oscar, ” Xavier, Celine, ” Marchand didn’t, that’s, ” Coloma, ” Nicolas Castel, Remi Lacourt, ” Castel, Michael Phelps ’, Castel, Bob Bowman, Michael Phelps, Bowman, Frenchman, Thomas Sammut, Marchand’s, ” Bowman, Le Monde, Valentine Chapuis, he’s, there’s, Fabien Barthez, Christophe Roussel, towelling, ” Sandra, …, Laura Georgelin, Alex, Antoine Dupont, Jean, Claude Dardelet, “ Leon Marchand, Dupont, Dan Goldfarb Organizations: Olympic, Toulouse Olympique Employes, Olympic Games, Stade de France, Getty, Alfred, AFP, “, Arizona State University, Toulouse, France, Athletic Locations: Toulouse —, Paris, Toulouse, it’s, Coloma, Paris ’, Leon, Barcelona, Seoul, Tokyo, AFP, U.S, Arizona, France, “ Toulouse

☆ Watch CNBC's full interview with McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWatch CNBC's full interview with McDonald's CEO Chris KempczinskiChris Kempczinski, McDonald’s president and CEO, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the company's quarterly earnings results, state of the consumer, rollout of the $5 value menu, impact of minimum wage increase in California, and more.

Persons: Chris Kempczinski Chris Kempczinski Locations: California

☆ McDonald's CEO on state of the consumer: Seeing category slowdown from almost every major market
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailMcDonald's CEO on state of the consumer: Seeing category slowdown from almost every major marketChris Kempczinski, McDonald’s president and CEO, joins 'Squawk Box' to discuss the company's quarterly earnings results, state of the consumer, rollout of the $5 value menu, impact of minimum wage increase in California, and more.

Persons: Chris Kempczinski Locations: California

☆ Why Americans are snubbing McDonald’s and Starbucks
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —On the surface, it looks like Americans are laying off the Big Macs, booze and even — gasp! On Monday, McDonald’s reported sales fell 0.7% in the US from the same period in 2023. The once reliably cheap McDonald’s pushed its prices up, while sit-down restaurants leaned into value and convenience. Applebee’s, for one, made a direct pitch to the hordes of ticked-off McDonald’s customers who felt the chain had abused its pricing power. Now, McDonald’s is trying to win back poorer customers while appealing to more affluent customers who want something new.

Persons: CNN Business ’, McDonald’s, Johnny Walker, It’s, it’s, they’re, ”, RJ Hottovy, Jonathan Maze, I’m, —, Chili’s, “, Taylor Swift Organizations: CNN Business, New York CNN, Starbucks, Diageo, Restaurant Business, Dine Brands, CNN Locations: New York, United States, North America, Texas, Paris

☆ IHOP is bringing back $5 all-you-can-eat pancakes
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Erika Tulfo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —It’s a summer for single-digit dollar deals as IHOP and Denny’s join other big-name food chains in offering value menu options. IHOP announced this week that it is bringing back its $5 all-you-can-eat pancake deal. IHOP announced the same promotion with much fanfare around the same time last summer as part of its 65-year anniversary. He says that IHOP’s dine-in only deal is meant to spur customers into returning to stores. “As a restaurateur, you hope that they’re not just taking advantage of the deal, they’re buying extras, they’re adding on sausages or some other breakfast meat.”

Persons: CNN —, Denny’s, IHOP, Taco, ”, David Henkes, Henkes, IHOP’s, they’re Organizations: CNN, Taco Bell, KFC, McDonalds Locations: Technomic

☆ A major change is coming to Taco Bell drive-thrus
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Clare Duffy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Taco Bell is set to expand the use of artificial intelligence voice technology in its drive-thrus to hundreds of US locations by the end of this year, parent company Yum! The move means that when users pull up to place their order at a Taco Bell, there’s a good chance they will be talking to a computer, rather than a human employee, on the other end. McDonald’s said last month it was pulling the plug on the AI ordering technology that it was testing at more than 100 US drive-thrus, after customers complained about the system getting their orders wrong. Brands, told CNN he’s confident that his company’s technology — which is already in use at 100 Taco Bell locations across 13 states — won’t have the same issues. Kim also denied that AI ordering technology would replace human jobs, a growing concern around all manner of new AI tools.

Persons: Taco Bell, there’s, McDonald’s, Lawrence Kim, — won’t, we’ve, ” Kim, it’s, Kim, Yum, Kay, quesadilla ”, kay, “ kay, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Brands, Taco Bell, ! Brands, CNN, KFC Locations: New York, Taco, Pizza

☆ Starbucks sales tumble as customers reject high-priced coffee
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Nathaniel Meyersohn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Starbucks sales dropped 3% globally at stores open for at least a year, including a 2% drop in its home North America market. McDonald’s this week reported that sales at stores open at least a year fell 1% last quarter, its first sales decline since 2020. Starbucks also faces increased pressure from rival drive-thru coffee chains – and from people opting to make their morning cup of coffee at home. There’s also more competition from some of the drive-thru coffee chains, like a Dutch Bros,” said RJ Hottovy, an analyst at Placer.ai. Starbucks, using a play from fast food chains, is trying to win back customers with value menus.

Persons: There’s, ”, RJ Hottovy Organizations: New, New York CNN, Consumers, Starbucks, North, Bros, Placer.ai Locations: New York, North America

☆ Diageo sales slump as consumers ditch Johnnie Walker whisky and Casamigos tequila
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-30 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

London CNN —Diageo, one of the world’s biggest drinks makers, has reported its first drop in sales since the pandemic, as cash-strapped consumers cut back on spending. The maker of Johnnie Walker whisky, Casamigos tequila and Guinness beer is the latest consumer business to report a hit to sales as inflation and high interest rates take a bite out of household budgets. On Monday, McDonald’s (MCD) said global sales fell for the first time since 2020 as fewer customers visited the fast-food chain’s restaurants. Sales of Johnnie Walker fell by 2% globally, and by 10% in North America, the company’s largest region. That demand has since declined, while higher inflation and interest rates have left consumers with less to spend on luxuries.

Persons: Johnnie Walker, Burger, Debra Crew, George Clooney, Aarin, Hargreaves Lansdown, ”, Smirnoff, “ That’s, Pernod Ricard, Jameson, Tequila — Organizations: London CNN, Diageo, Starbucks, DEO, “, International Organisation of Vine Locations: America, Caribbean, North America, London

☆ McDonald’s earnings, revenue miss estimates as consumer pullback worsens
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-29 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

In this videoShare Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailMcDonald’s earnings, revenue miss estimates as consumer pullback worsensCNBC's Kate Rogers joins 'Squawk Box' to report on the company's quarterly earnings results.

Persons: Kate Rogers

☆ Americans keep turning their backs on McDonald’s
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-29 | by ( David Goldman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Inflation has caught up with McDonald’s, and budget-conscious Americans are looking elsewhere for their fast-food fix. The tough environment for McDonald’s wasn’t limited to the United States: Sales at stores open for at least a year fell 1% globally. The plan focuses on value meal plans like the popular $5 meal introduced earlier this summer. He pointed to McDonald’s new emphasis on chicken, which is now on par with beef sales at restaurants. Whether or not that viral post was the final straw for McDonald’s customers, Americans have been punishing the company ever since.

Persons: McDonald’s, McDonald’s isn’t, Grimace’s, ”, Chris Kempczinski, hadn’t, Kempczinski, “, ” Kempczinski, — Organizations: CNN, Inflation, McDonald’s Locations: Burger, United States, Connecticut

Romona Smith, 20, Nashville, Tennessee Undergraduate subsidizing her college costs with shifts at Kroger and McDonald’s. “Me working wasn’t enough,” said Smith, who described the latter experience as strengthening her resolve. Living situation: Spending the summer rent-free with her college roommate and family in their five-bedroom home in Corona. Romona Smith, 20, NashvilleSmith is pursuing a double major in social work and psychology, along with a certification as a registered behavior technician to work with people with ADHD or autism. With her out-of-pocket tuition set to hit nearly $5,000 this fall, Smith wants to avoid another financial Hail Mary.

Persons: Romona Smith, Trump, ”, Smith, “, “ I’m, it’s, she’ll, —, who’s, I’m, Nashville Smith, She’s, she’s, Kamala Harris, Z, ” Smith, Mary, “ I’ve, haven’t, don’t Organizations: NBC, Kroger, McDonald’s, Tennessee State University, Pell, Seattle native’s, Democratic, Bank of America, American Locations: Nashville , Tennessee, Nashville, Corona , California, Corona ., Tennessee, “

☆ Chipotle’s CEO weighs in on the burrito bowl portion size debate
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-24 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Customers on social media have been furious with Chipotle for allegedly skimping on its burrito bowl portions this year. “First, there was never a directive to provide less to our customers,” CEO Brian Niccol said during an earnings call Wednesday. In June, a Wells Fargo analyst ordered and weighed 75 Chipotle burrito bowls with white rice, black beans, chicken, pico de gallo, cheese and lettuce across eight Chipotle locations in New York City. The bowls weighed roughly the same for in-store orders and online orders, but some locations served bowls that weighed 33% more than other locations. Some burrito bowls went to extremes, with one topping out at 27 ounces in one location, and a meager 14 ounces in another.

Persons: Chipotle, Brian Niccol, ” Niccol, pico de, ” Niccols, Nathaniel Meyersohn Organizations: New, New York CNN Locations: New York, Wells, New York City

☆ McDonald’s to extend $5 value meal in most U.S. markets as diners return to restaurants
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-22 | by ( Kate Rogers | In Katerog | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

McDonald's will extend its $5 value meal beyond its initial four-week window in most of its U.S. markets, as the fast food giant says the offer is driving traffic back to restaurants. The memo said the majority of locations will extend through August, or plan to vote on whether to do so. The $5 value meal rolled out on menu boards beginning June 25 and was initially set to last roughly a month. The move comes as restaurants offer deals to boost sagging traffic, as consumers — particularly lower-income diners — balk at higher prices after years of inflation-fueled hikes. Coca-Cola kicked in marketing funds to make the initial value offer more appealing for franchisees, CNBC reported in May.

Persons: Myra Doria, Tariq Hassan, Burger, Taco Bell, McDonald's Organizations: CNBC, Bloomberg Locations: San Pablo , California, U.S

☆ McDonald’s $5 value meal is staying on menus for a little while longer
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-22 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Nearly all McDonald’s US locations will continue to sell the “$5 Meal Deal” after people flocked to the promotion amid rising food prices. Since its launch in June, the limited time offering is “resonating with our millions of customers,” and the company claimed the move was siphoning off business from its competition, according to an internal McDonald’s memo obtained by CNN. McDonald’s launched the “$5 Meal Deal” in late June intended to be for one month only. The meal includes a McDouble cheeseburger or a McChicken sandwich, small french fries, four-piece Chicken McNuggets and a small soft drink. Diners are not going out to eat as often and spending less when they do, causing fast food sales to slow and restaurant traffic to dip.

Persons: McDonald’s, wasn’t, ”, Taco, Burger Organizations: New, New York CNN, CNN, ” Starbucks, Taco Bell Locations: New York

☆ Inside the world of South Korean convenience stores — the global king of one-stop shops
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-19 | by ( Jessie Yeung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

In large South Korean cities like Seoul, convenience stores are on every corner, sometimes with multiple outlets from competing companies dotting the same street. Heo Ran/ReutersThere are a few things that set South Korean convenience stores apart. A quick search on YouTube, TikTok or Instagram shows an endless supply of videos about Korean convenience stores. Indeed, Korean convenience store companies have grown so successful they are even expanding overseas. But when she next returns to South Korea, she will “definitely” still visit a convenience store and hit record, she said.

Persons: ”, Chang Woo, ” Chang, Heo Ran, Chang, – they’re, Jiny, “, Emart24 –, Maeng Organizations: South Korea CNN, Korea Convenience Store, South, Kwangwoon University, Deloitte Korea, McKinsey, Companies, Deloitte, YouTube Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, “, United States, Korea, London, Australia, “ Korea, Sydney, Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Malaysia

☆ Antitrust Regulator Tells Chains: Back Off Your Franchisees
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-12 | by ( Lydia Depillis | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In the long-simmering conflict between franchisers and franchisees, the federal government has weighed in on behalf of the smaller guys. In a business relationship that has become fundamental to American commerce, franchisers — brands like McDonald’s and Jiffy Lube — license the right to operate their concept to individual entrepreneurs, who provide start-up capital and may own one location or many. On Friday, the Federal Trade Commission issued a policy statement and staff guidance that cautioned franchisers not to restrict their franchisees’ ability to speak to government officials or to tack on fees that weren’t disclosed in documents provided to prospective franchise buyers. In a news release, the commission said it was acting amid “growing concern about unfair and deceptive practices by franchisers — to ensure that the franchise business model remains a ladder of opportunity to owning a business for honest small business owners.”

Persons: franchisers, weren’t, franchisers —, ” Organizations: Federal Trade Commission

☆ The big change that could come for the economy in September
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-12 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Wall Street’s expectations for a September rate cut rose to roughly 93% on Thursday from 73% the day before, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. “A September rate cut should be a done deal at this point,” wrote Ron Temple, chief market strategist at Lazard, in a Thursday note. Some economists worry that if the Fed doesn’t cut rates by then, cracks could begin to deepen in the labor market. A September rate cut “may not be the magic elixir some investors are seeking,” wrote Brent Schutte, chief investment officer at Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management, in a Monday note. On an annual basis, consumer prices are increasing at their slowest pace since June 2023, matching the lowest annual rate since early 2021.

Persons: ”, Ron Temple, Jerome Powell didn’t, Brent Schutte, Alicia Wallace, —, Elisabeth Buchwald, McDonald’s, Read Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, Federal Reserve, Lazard, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management, Bureau of Labor Statistics ’, Taco Bell Locations: New York, Burger

☆ National French Fry Day: McDonald’s, Wendy’s and 6 other places to get free or discounted fries
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-12 | by ( Cheyenne Devon | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

National French Fry is on Friday, July 12, and plenty of popular restaurant chains are offering freebies and deals to honor the holiday. Whether they're crinkle cut or curly, French fries are a favorite across the nation. The average American consumes around 34 pounds of French fries a year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The origin of French fries is unclear, despite the name, according to Britannica. President Thomas Jefferson is often credited with introducing the dish to Americans after returning from France with a recipe for "deep-fried potatoes in small cuttings," per the Thomas Jefferson Foundation.

Persons: Fry, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Organizations: National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, Thomas Jefferson Foundation Locations: France, Smashburger

☆ Why fast food value menus aren’t as good a deal as you might think
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-11 | by ( Elisabeth Buchwald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

But just how much value is there in these kinds of “value” meals? Well, actually, not as much as you may think, since prices for many key ingredients used in value meals are coming down. Cheese, potatoes and tomatoes are getting cheaperMany of the recently announced value meals use cheese, potatoes and tomatoes. Meat eaters benefit the most from the value meal warIf you eat meat, you’re more likely to benefit from some value menu items. Given that meat prices are rising at a faster pace than most foods, it’s no wonder most fast-food chains are only offering value menus for a limited time.

Persons: McDonald’s, Joe Erlinger, ” Organizations: New, New York CNN, Taco Bell, Bureau of Labor Statistics ’, McDonald’s, Wall Locations: New York, Burger, McDonald’s USA

☆ Why McDonald’s removed salads from their menu
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-08 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

“If people really want salads from McDonald’s we will gladly relaunch salads,” said Joe Erlinger, the president of McDonald’s USA, in a June interview at the Wall Street Journal’s annual Global Food Forum. For McDonald’s, putting salads on the menu was likely a way to avoid the veto vote and stay atop recent healthy food trends. McDonald’s salads were “one likely source of these infections,” the CDC said at the time. McDonald’s removed salads from national menus in 2020 to help simplify restaurant operations, the company said. Another menu item that’s not coming to McDonald’s any time soon?

Persons: New York CNN —, ”, Joe Erlinger, McDonald’s, Covid, ” Erlinger Organizations: New, New York CNN, McDonald’s, Food, Wall Street Journal Locations: New York, McDonald’s

☆ McDonald’s shortens breakfast time in Australia as bird flu causes egg shortage
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-02 | by ( Story Reuters | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

McDonald’s has cut breakfast service timings by 90 minutes, the company said, after a shortage of eggs caused by bird flu outbreaks that have led to the slaughter of about 1.5 million chickens. Australia is battling outbreaks of several strains of highly pathogenic avian influenza that have struck 11 poultry facilities, most of them egg farms, in its southeast since May. None of the strains are the H5N1 variant of bird flu that has spread through bird and mammal populations worldwide, infecting billions of animals and a small number of humans. “Consumers can be assured there’s still over 20 million hens under the care of hundreds of egg farmers across Australia that will continue to work hard to ensure there’s eggs on shelves,” he added. Bird flu spreads to farmed animals from wild birds.

Persons: McDonald’s, ” McDonald’s, Rowan McMonnies, there’s Organizations: Good, Facebook Locations: Canberra, Australia

☆ Los Angeles Lakers select Bronny James, son of LeBron James, with No. 55 pick in the NBA Draft
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Homero De La Fuente | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —The Los Angeles Lakers have selected Bronny James, the eldest son of superstar LeBron James, with the 55th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Thursday. While in high school at Sierra Canyon, James was named a 2022-23 McDonald’s High School All-American and was considered the No. Meanwhile, LeBron James has previously spoken of his strong desire to play with his son in the NBA. “My last year will be played with my son,” James told the Athletic in 2022. Bronny James will have a chance to make his first appearance wearing a Lakers uniform during the 2024 NBA Summer League from July 12 through July 22.

Persons: James, LeBron James, Bronny James, ”, “, ” James, It’s Organizations: CNN, Los Angeles Lakers, Lakers, University of Southern, USC, ESPN, NBA, Athletic, League Locations: University of Southern California, Sierra, that’s

☆ Taco Bell enters the value meal wars with its biggest deal ever
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-27 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

New York CNN —This is the summer of fast food value meal wars, and Taco Bell isn’t sitting back. The chain announced Thursday that it’s entering the battle with one of its biggest deals ever. “We believe that fast food should be a luxury that every one can afford everyday,” said Taylor Montgomery, Taco Bell’s chief marketing officer. He added that its deal offers “full-sized favorites” compared to some of its rivals’ deals that have smaller portions. Like its rivals, Yum has been vocal that some of its problems stem from customers spending less on fast food.

Persons: Taco Bell isn’t, Burger King, ”, Taylor Montgomery, Taco, ’, Montgomery, Yum Organizations: New, New York CNN, Taco, Taco Bell, Taco Bell’s, CNN Locations: New York

☆ What to know about the economy ahead of the presidential debate
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-26 | by ( Elisabeth Buchwald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

That’s because the economy has consistently ranked among the top — if not the very top — voter issues in presidential election after presidential election. Unemployment: Low, but with warning signs aheadThe nation’s unemployment rate stayed below 4% for 27 months, its longest such streak and a match for a period in the 1960s. That streak ended last month, when the unemployment rate rose to 4% from 3.9%. That means job seekers might find it harder to get hired. The number of job openings in the US economy recently fell to a three-year low.

Persons: Bill Clinton’s, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, David Paul Morris, Joe Raedle, they’ve, Frederic J . Brown Organizations: New, New York CNN, ABC, CNN, Bloomberg, Getty, of Labor Statistics, Target, Walmart Locations: New York, AFP

☆ Outrage over an $18 Big Mac sparked a consumer revolt that finally got companies to listen
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-25 | by ( Elisabeth Buchwald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New CNN —Pop quiz: How much does a Big Mac, fries and a fountain beverage – also known as a Big Mac combo meal – cost? In a recent letter, Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, said $18 for a Big Mac combo was the “exception” and not the norm across all 13,700 restaurants in the country. The thing is: It doesn’t really matter that virtually no one is paying anything close to $18 for a Big Mac combo. “The average price of a Big Mac in the US was $4.39 in 2019,” Erlinger said in his recent letter. Behold: Price cuts and value menusI’d be willing to bet Erlinger was made aware of the viral $18 Big Mac combo post not long after it took off.

Persons: It’s, Joe Erlinger, Erlinger, it’s, They’re, ” Erlinger, aren’t, haven’t, Price, Christopher Kempczinski, they’ve, Ian Borden, they’re Organizations: CNN, McDonald’s, Mac, Consumer, Walgreens, Walmart, Wendy’s Locations: Connecticut, McDonald’s USA, Amazon

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