An April report by Franchise Consulting Group in partnership with VF Franchise Consulting titled “McDonald’s Model in Dying Days – 30% of Franchisees Insolvent” suggests some franchisees are insolvent and the McDonald’s business model of Ray Kroc may be in its end days.
Franchisees generate over 2/3rd of their revenues in the U.S. Franchise owners say the corporation is on a destructive path, and one 8-store franchisee just declared bankruptcy. Some 1,700 stores have changed hands in the last year, and some 2,000 stores are expected to close by the end of this calendar year. Franchisees operate 95% of McDonald’s locations in the U.S.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQkAXzil_9Y
In a financial survey by the Nomura Group, one McDonald’s franchisee stated the company is in the “throes of a deep depression, and nothing is changing” and that “probably 30 percent of operators are insolvent”.
Problems cited include pressure from government regulations, labor tensions, and financial losses are said to be to blame. The typical two most often mentioned are the cost of goods due to inflation of the last two years and the cost of labor due to higher minimum wages.
But these are not the only issues causing problems between McDonald’s corporate of Oak Brook, Illinois, and local franchise owners. Another April article in Restaurant Business Online offered:
The Investing Future report, “McDonald’s goes to battle over ‘joint employer’ rules—with its franchisees,” offered:
“McDonald’s once again was accused of being a heavy-handed “joint employer” of its franchisees’ employees. But this time, the accusations are coming not from labor groups but a group of the company’s own operators.
The Chicago-based burger giant’s ongoing dispute with its franchisees intensified this week over the level of control the company exerts on its operators’ businesses, this time with franchisees suggesting that some of its actions could qualify the company as a joint employer under potentially tightened regulations of the franchisee-franchisor relationship.
The result led to an intense week featuring warring statements between multiple groups of operators along with accusations of intimidation and threats and fears that the franchisee base has become divided.”
Another complaint franchisees have about McDonald’s corporate is that customer survey standards and new ownership requirements can hinder the operation of their stores.
Despite this apparent internal squabbling in the company between store owners and corporate, McDonald’s stock performance remains remarkably strong but this news story makes one wonder if this is not just the calm before the stock market storm so many are predicting these days.
OPINION:
Some people might consider me a lucky freak, but I consider myself blessed by God. As it turns out, I once ate at the first McDonald’s and was served personally by Ray Kroc. The McDonald’s #1 restaurant was built in Des Plaines, Illinois, and opened by Ray Kroc in April 1955. I met him some years later as a toddler as McDonald’s was getting all kinds of positive reviews in Chicagoland newspapers around 1958.
My meal was a burger, shake, and French fries, and it totaled out to less than 50 cents. We ate in our family car as there was no inside dining at that time.
McDonald’s has had a ton of “Bud Light moments” throughout its history, and it has overcome all of them. I remember when I was a teenager, and somebody leaked an internal document that McDonald’s was thinking of experimenting with using the meat of earthworms to supplement their beef patties. Boy, was that ever a premature Klaus Schwab moment for them!
McDonald’s is part of America’s heritage now, and I hope and pray they figure out a way through their current issues. Having a McDonald’s close-up shop is about as devastating to a community as losing a local Walmart… another piece of Americana.
Copyright © 2023 by Mark S. Schwendau
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Mark S. Schwendau is a retired technology professor who has always had a sideline in news-editorial writing where his byline has been, “Bringing little known news to people who simply want to know the truth.” He is a Christian conservative who God cast to be a realist. His website is www.IDrawIWrite.Tech.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.