He decided he wanted to own a McDonald s after visiting the restaurant near Rome s Spanish Steps. I was amazed by it, he recalls. It sparked my curiosity. My McDonald s doesn t seem like a McDonald s, he says proudly. The food is McDonald s, but that s all.
All franchisees are quick to stress their right to be in the neighborhood.
We re no different from any Greek business. The idea, explains European spokesman Riker, is that the franchisee is Mr. McDonald s in his community, on the job and in the restaurant. While they have to meet company standards, the franchisees are responsible for hiring, buying equipment, advertising and sponsoring local community activities. And, sometimes, for fighting some local battles. They re the worst employer in the food and restaurant sector, says Hans-Jurgen Hinzer, of Germany s Food and Gastronomy Union.