2010 Trends: McDonald's is Adding WiFi

Speaking of food trends for 2010, McDonald's is planning to offer WiFi to its customers in 2010.This in addition to adding smoothies and frapuccinos to the McCafe line with the hope that McDonald's will become a hangout spot for customers who may otherwise choose to go to Starbucks or some other cozy environment to "chill". They are hopping on the "destination" bandwagon and hoping that by offering additional perks, they may be able to convince customers to stick around and make purchases during snack and off peak meal time hours.

I think McDonald's has the right idea, but I am having a hard time picturing what McDonald's is going to do to its atmosphere aside from adding WiFi. Starbucks and other coffee houses are known for their comfortable, home away from home type of atmosphere. Most have plush chairs and comfy couches where you can literally sit for hours and never grow uncomfortable. I'm not so sure that McDonald's current set up provides the sense of familial warmth most coffee shoppers are looking for. I never think of plush chairs and comfy couches when I think of McDonald's.

Perhaps they will add additional elements to have a separate McCafe area that can house the type of ambience they will need to succeed as a restaurant and a cafe. This could get complicated though, especially if you've got someone scarfing down a Big Mac, sitting right next to someone breezing through a magazine and sipping a latte. How will McDonald's keep their cafe furniture ketchup and grease free? Can McDonald's be both?
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