First story come to us from right here in So Cal......
HACIENDA HEIGHTS, Calif. (AP) — The only familiar signs at the McDonald's in this primarily Asian community are the golden arches, the drive-through and the menu.
Gone are the plastic furniture, Ronald McDonald and the red and yellow palette that has defined the world's largest hamburger chain. Leather seats, earth tones, bamboo plants and water trickling down glass panels have taken their place.
The makeover elements are meant to help diners achieve happiness and fortune — whether they realize it or not.
That's because the restaurant was redesigned using the principles of feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of arranging objects and numbers to promote health, harmony and prosperity.
The concept is an unlikely fit with fast food. But the restaurant's owners say the designs are aimed at creating a soothing setting that will encourage diners to linger over their burgers and fries, and come back again.
The makeover is part of the attempt by McDonald's in recent years to remodel hundreds of its restaurants to attract more patrons with unique decor and amenities that might entice them stay awhile.
It also fits into McDonald's larger corporate practice of catering to local tastes, such as a fondue-style burger in France or a pita-wrapped "McArabia" sandwich in the Middle East.
"We can't look too cookie cutter," Mark Brownstein, one of three owners of the restaurant, said about the new decor.
The basic principles of feng shui include placing strategic representations of five natural elements — earth, water, fire, metal and wood — around the room to increase the flow of chi, or energy.
Feng shui (pronounced fung shway) has been employed in the designs of high-rises, banks, even zoo exhibits, and has been popularized by countless coffee table books and TV shows such as HGTV's "Fun Shui." It's also used in the designs of the Panda Express Chinese food chain.
The McDonald's in this Los Angeles suburb boasts wood ceiling, silver-coated chairs, plus red accents throughout the dining area to symbolize fire and "good luck, laughter and prosperity," said Brenda Clifford, who designed the dining area.
The textured walls patterned after ocean waves symbolize "life and relaxation — the balanced things that you want in your life," she said.
Customers are responding positively, whether or not they recognize the feng shui elements.
So here is my thought on this story. It is fine that McDonald's is designing their local stores to fit the local demographics, but two questions for everyone. One, why is there something in USA Today about it? and two, Does anyone really care? The answer to the second question comes in a part of the story that I didn't even think was necessary....."Andrew Chen, 20, said he didn't notice the feng shui elements. He just thought it was a modern interior."
In another story revolving around hamburgers.....
SOUTHGATE, Mich. (AP) — A Detroit-area restaurant owner believes he has
broken the world record for "largest hamburger commercially available."
After 12 hours of preparation and baking, the 134-pound burger emerged Saturday at Mallie's Sports Bar and Grill.
The "Absolutely Ridiculous Burger," madewith beef, bacon and cheese, was delivered on a 50-pound bun, The Detroit News and the Detroit Free Press reported. It sells for $350, and orders require 24 hours' notice.
Flipping the burger required three men using two steel sheets.
Owner Steve Mallie told The News he wanted to show that he has the
biggest and best burgers.
Authenticating Mallie's claim could take a few weeks. His burger would outweigh the 123-pound burger made last year by Denny's Beer Barrel Pub, of Clearfield, Pa.
So here's the real question here, will anyone actually take the time and give the 24 hour notice that they are requesting in order to attempt to get this behemoth of a burger down? Also, Is Mallie's willing to do what several other places have done which is if you eat the entire 134-pound burger, will you get it for free? I have seen several other places on FoodTV and the Travel Channel state that if you eat some HUGE meals or burgers or pizzas you get the thing named after you and you get it for free. Obviously if you don't finish it, then you have to pay for it. So any (as Mr. Wirig would say) Questions, comments, concerns, things you wouldn't dare tell your psychiatrist but would gladly share with us?
