France Surrenders
Even in an era that will be forever known for its norm breaking, you might want to brace yourself for this one. The scene of this cultural deviation took place in Paris at dawn. “A throng of 500 people, mostly French, stood with uncharacteristic patience in a snaking line, intent on buying a decidedly un-French confection … dozens of them had camped out overnight [and] watched through a giant window as a conveyor belt ferried fried dough toward a waterfall of sugary frosting. When the doors opened, they swarmed inside.” Yes, Parisians were lining up to greet the arrival of Krispy Kreme in France. As strange as it seems that even a single block of country famous for defending its culture could be taken over by an American fast food (even one wielding the mighty weapons of fried dough and frosting), it turns out that the American fast food invasion has been making significant progress in France for years. “In the spring, Popeye’s fried chicken drew huge crowds in Paris when it opened the first of 350 restaurants planned across France. Wendy’s has announced plans to set up shop in France. Burger King, KFC, Starbucks, Domino’s Pizza, Chipotle, Steak ‘n Shake, Carl’s Jr. and Five Guys have long had toeholds, but they are rapidly expanding their footprints with plans for hundreds of new locations across the country.” NYT (Gift Article): Hot Glazed Doughnuts on the Menu, and Parisians Can’t Get Enough. Napoleon famously said, “Victory belongs to the most persevering.” And no one can outlast a Krispy Kreme conveyor belt.
+ Don’t worry, America isn’t exporting all its fast food. There’s still plenty to consume right here at home, with much more to come. McDonald’s aims to open nearly 9,000 restaurants, add 100 million loyalty members by 2027. “McDonald’s wants a global footprint of 50,000 locations … For comparison, Starbucks in November said it aims to reach 55,000 cafes worldwide by 2030.” Starbucks dominates the (often sugar-filled) afternoon drink and snack market. McDonald’s is looking to eat (and drink) into that edge with a new restaurant called CosMc’s, offering drinks such as a churro frappe and a pear-flavored slush. (Remind me to buy more stock in Novo Nordisk…)
