McDonald’s has been using artificial intelligence to dynamically price menu items in the US and some global markets, according to a report by Reuters. This involves finding the “optimal price” to match what a particular store’s patrons would be willing to pay.
This fluctuates according to location, and even stores in the same city can have different cost amounts for the same exact items, according to information reviewed by Reuters. This is basically surge pricing, like with ride-share platforms, but for hockey puck burgers that have been sitting under a hot lamp.
Reuters got a look at the interface that franchisees use to access this technology and it’s pretty creepy. Messages show stuff like “your restaurant is showing MEDIUM SENSITIVITY to price” based on “customer willingness to pay in your area.” Cost differences at nearby locations can be stark. Researchers found that a Bic Mac at a Fresno, California store cost $5.69, but the same burger cost $6.89 at another branch two miles down the road. That’s a 21 percent difference.
Not that I needed another reason to avoid McDonald’s. Tastes nice, but the burgers have become tiny, and their food gives me the shits.
The burgers have become tiny because they’re using fattier beef, which has a 1/4lbs starting weight but it sweats off a lot of weight.
Here’s how they fuck you: https://youtu.be/JlpuVHdZyqI?is=Ea_H2b5qleAaq2Vo
Does it taste nice? I quit fast food 3 years ago but of all the things they serve, I don’t miss their burgers. Their fries and nuggets maybe, but I never want a McDonald’s burger. They just aren’t good at all, not by any metric.
I kinda miss ordering a double quarter pounder big mac, but otherwise not worth it for many reasons
I mostly miss the fries tbh. Fortunately a brewery near me has the bombest fries I’ve ever had, but sometimes you do just want those garbage McDonald’s fries.
About once a year I’ll convince myself fast food is a good idea. I always feel ill for a day after. Idk if it’s the mega sodium or the ultra processed grease, but I just feel queezy.
What’s even more weird is that going somewhere that isn’t a chain, like a local burger joint, doesn’t make me feel as bad. Maybe it’s all in my head or maybe the food is that much better.