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McDonald’s released new ads for its newest celebrity-sponsored meal promotion. This time, it features American rappers Cardi B and Offset, which received negative feedback.
In fact, some McDonald’s franchisees have criticized the selection of Cardi B and Offset and they refused to promote the new meals in their restaurant outlets. The franchisees had this reaction as they said having hip hop artists featured in the chain’s new meal “breaks the ‘Golden Arches Code.’”
Fox Business reported that McDonald’s celebrity-sponsored meals are usually one of the promotions that generate strong sales for the chain, but this time, what they received were criticisms from the franchisees. They explain that Cardi B. and Offset do not reflect the brand’s values, so they should not have been featured at all.
Moreover, owners of some McDonald’s stores in the United States raised concerns over the collaborations with some celebrities who do not fit the company’s image. A number of owners said many franchisees have declined to promote the latest celebrity meal as they are not in favor of the brand being associated with both Offset and Cardi B.
They also reasoned that the two rappers’ lifestyles and rap lyrics are not aligned with McDonald’s brand. These restaurant owners are also encouraging other franchisees to remove the ads showing the hip hop artists since McDonald’s always had a family-friendly image.
“It is kind of a culture-shock thing when you consider the McDonald’s brand over the years,” said Fortune quoted a former McDonald’s store owner, Dick Adams, as saying in a statement. “Especially if you are a franchisee and you’re 50 or 60 years old and you don’t have any kids and haven’t been exposed to any types of these lyrics.”
He added, “I have talked to many franchisees who are concerned about it, but it is good for sales and corporate endorses it. I don’t think there is a lot of pushback (despite the grumbling and complaining.”
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