Just under a year ago McDonald’s was a darling of business analysts. Yet it’s now facing tough times writes Julie Jargon. What happened?

• McDonald’s outlets are gaining an increasing repetition for rudeness and slow service.
• According to one study, McDonald’s is among the least friendly of the major fast food chains – only Burger King is worse.
• To deal with these issues McDonald’s is trying out a ‘dual point’ ordering system where customers order on one end, grab a ticket, watch for their number to flash on a screen, and then head over to pick up their order. The person who gives them their order is meant to thank them and ask to see them again.
• The fast food chain is also trying out software that will help its many independent stores understand the optimal number of staff required on hand at any given time.
• Instead of having cashiers and cooks do all the work, the company is also looking into creating specialized runners who do nothing but fetch the components of a meal and put it together for customers.

Read more about McDonald’s woes, its financials, and what executives have to say over here.

Source: The Wall Street Journal