[Mark Felton]

"Perhaps this is related to the Middle East boycott of American businesses. "

No. Their US sales have been in free-fall for the last few years. They've developed a bad reputation that is sticking.

Americans are changing their eating habits, somewhat, and Grocery stores are offering wide arrays of prepared foods at their deli's.

McDonalds greatest growth occured as American culture switched from families with 1 working parent to families with 2 working parents and single parents.

Ready prepared healthier food for families seems to be what the market is demanding.

(I say this like I'm some expert, LOL, I'm not. These are only my observations)

[DWPittelli]

I agree that McD's quality is lacking, and I certainly don't eat there except when it's the only option on a highway stop, but the article I quoted up top referred to closing down 3 countries and restructuring 4 others, and apparently all 7 are in the Middle East or Latin America. Hence my initial question.

[Aquinasfan]

Ready prepared healthier food for families seems to be what the market is demanding.

Good point.

[NEWwoman]

During some of my recent travels (Washington, Idaho), I've heard some people comment (more than once) that certain McD's charge $.35 extra to sit down in their restraunt and eat their food.

Has anyone else heard of this?

If so, I would take my business to Burger King!