McDonald’s CEO blames “broke customers” for the company’s problems . . .

[i]Photo above - Separated at birth? General Hux of Star Wars, vs McDonalds CEO Chris Kempczinski . . .[/i]

I don’t envy Chris Kempczinski, McDonald’s CEO. He’s struggling to explain why he earns $50,000 a day – 3 times what the typical fast-food worker makes in an entire year. Chris finally settled on a mass-broadcast Instagram video called "Tough Love with the McDonald's CEO". He stressed that "nobody cares about your career as much as you do," and told struggling workers to "make things happen." (see link below).

This almost sounds like a call for revolution, no?

Predictably, this idiotic rant didn’t play well with employees or customers. Maybe investors took heart in it?

And there are a lot of them (investors). McDonalds has a market cap of over $200 billion. Four times bigger than Ford. MCD share prices are up 80% over 3 years - how’s THAT for inflation? $26 billion in revenue, and a 32% profit margin. (see second link below)

And the CEO says “broke customers” are the reason the company isn’t doing better.

It’s not that they aren’t trying. In the 2024 election cycle, McDonalds spent $2 million on campaign contributions. Another $3 million on lobbying the same politicians. The company contributed both to Kamala’s campaign and Trump’s. Both to the Democrat and Republican national committees. Millions and millions. And McDonalds is blaming “broke customers”????

I'm calling on president Trump to launch a seal team strike on McDonalds CEO Chris Kempczinski’s mansion right away. Take him into custody. Blindfold and handcuff him. Fly him to New York City to face arraignment. Not sure yet what charges should apply. We’ll figure something out . . .

I’m just sayin’ . . .

McDonald’s CEO blames ‘broke’ customers as $200B giant defends price increases

McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Stock Price, News, Quote & History - Yahoo Finance

McDonald's Corp Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets

Top | New | Old

ArishMell · 70-79, M

Perhaps his "broke customers" and poorly-paid employees know rather more than he and most of the stock-market spivs do, the difference between price and value...

When I see figures like those from any huge company my immediate reaction is twofold:

First, why such a pretentious title for a managing-director; secondly and more importantly, exactly what a "CEO" like this one really does to be paid such sums, even if a lot of the money is dividends and shares rather than direct wages?

It's everyone else from shop-floor to departmental directors, who keep the thing going.

Note, "be paid", not necessarily "earn".

SusanInFlorida · 31-35, F

@ArishMell shareholders and boards of directors demand stock price increases - continually. there is no long term view. the CEO suite is a constant rotation in search of immediate gratification.

this where I agree with warren buffet (and usually i do not) - he says only buy company shares you'd be willing to wait 5 years before considering selling.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@SusanInFlorida That's my view of shares too: I have a very small block of former employee-shares, and they pay a little nest-egg once a year.

The institutional share-holders like pension funds and charities are the best because they want long-term stability, so need their companies to be successful.

JoyfulSilence · 51-55, M

They need all-day breakfast again.

I am tired of having to get up early for a McMuffin.

Dunkin' makes anything at any time. Why can't McDonald's?

exchrist · 36-40

MCD would do better to not make political contributions of any kind ( either way it alienates the opposing party’s members simply treat its employees better (benefits and pay) & or lower its prices $5 million on politicing might have been 10 cents less on every menu item. Which is more important?

View 1 more replies »

exchrist · 36-40

@SusanInFlorida 100% agree and careful tracking of and transparency regarding any and all contributions. Not just limits but a total ban. Limits on contributions from individuals too

SusanInFlorida · 31-35, F

@exchrist disclosure of all political donations within 2 business days, on an online website. amount, contributor, corporate connection if any.

exchrist · 36-40

@SusanInFlorida love it

hippyjoe1955 · 70-79, M

Well when the average McDonalds worker can successfully run an international company they too can earn that kind of money. Why do professional baseball players make so much more than the average 30 year old minor leaguer? Could it be talent?

View 7 more replies »

hippyjoe1955 · 70-79, M

@ArishMell I must admit that going to the college hockey games were a lot of fun. Not so much for the games but for the interactions with the other people in the stands. You could hear the noise a block away.

ArishMell · 70-79, M

@hippyjoe1955 Oh, yes, I can understand the social aspect.

hippyjoe1955 · 70-79, M

@ArishMell Great fun. No alcohol involved either. Just youthful exuberance.

StygianKohlrabi · 46-50, M

wow thats smart but I just recommend ordering takeout from the Chinese restaurant that only costs 2 bucks more

SusanInFlorida · 31-35, F

@StygianKohlrabi too much MSG for me.

StygianKohlrabi · 46-50, M

@SusanInFlorida thats not bad

exchrist · 36-40

His customers and the world in general is obviously aware of how disgusting MCD actually is everything is expensive the quality is poor the portions are smaller.how much more obvious could this be?

G7J2O · M

Doesn't bother me in the slightest. McDonalds can go under for all I care.

Add a comment...