We've Taken Back the Lead
One point for the good guys. Ole 'Natha has retaken the lead in its race to provide the most positive dining experience. We took the lead with the opening of our new dining hall this past fall, but they answered over Christmas break apparently.
I'm referring, of course, to our competition with the local McDonald's. As of Wednesday, I wouldn't have thought McDonald's was anywhere near our level of sophistication. After all, we have an open, spacious feel with large windows providing plenty of natural light. We also have high tables with chairs contrasted with booths' more intimate atmosphere. And the piece de resistance is our casual seating area with comfortable armchairs, a gas fireplace, and a never-used flat-panel TV. How could a lowly fast-food chain--national or not--compete with that?
Imagine my surprise, then, upon discovering yesterday they had matched us stroke for stroke. Upon arriving for a two hour lunch with Dale and Josh, I learned McDonald's was now sporting a trendy new look. Upon recovering from my initial shock, and laughing at the absurdity of attempting to attract Watertown clientele with a sleek, modern image, I began to notice the similarities. It had large windows all around, high tables and booths, even the armchairs, fireplace, and an unused flat-panel TV. For one heart-rending moment, I was afraid the attached Playplace may have given them the advantage, but upon further review, I decided we had to eliminate attached rooms. After all, we have classrooms, computer labs, and sitting areas attached. It was an uneasy truce.
Then, with no warning, the equality was shattered. I blew into the dining hall today during the twenty minute break. Knowing I had to be done eating and back to Old Main in less than seventeen minute didn't leave me time to realize the long-awaited day had arrived. In fact, it wasn't until I sat down across from Chelsie that I noticed the TV was finally turned on. Closed captioning was spreading across Fox News, and the tie was broken. Natty once again had the nicer dining experience.
No doubt McDonald's will move to close the gap quickly—they didn't become the premier fast food chain by being lazy or stupid (their customers take care of that). In fact, Natty might be making it easy for them. The first two minutes of my dining hall television viewing were interrupted by an inappropriate commercial. We'll have to get that one worked out quickly, but for the moment, we have the lead again.
I'm referring, of course, to our competition with the local McDonald's. As of Wednesday, I wouldn't have thought McDonald's was anywhere near our level of sophistication. After all, we have an open, spacious feel with large windows providing plenty of natural light. We also have high tables with chairs contrasted with booths' more intimate atmosphere. And the piece de resistance is our casual seating area with comfortable armchairs, a gas fireplace, and a never-used flat-panel TV. How could a lowly fast-food chain--national or not--compete with that?
Imagine my surprise, then, upon discovering yesterday they had matched us stroke for stroke. Upon arriving for a two hour lunch with Dale and Josh, I learned McDonald's was now sporting a trendy new look. Upon recovering from my initial shock, and laughing at the absurdity of attempting to attract Watertown clientele with a sleek, modern image, I began to notice the similarities. It had large windows all around, high tables and booths, even the armchairs, fireplace, and an unused flat-panel TV. For one heart-rending moment, I was afraid the attached Playplace may have given them the advantage, but upon further review, I decided we had to eliminate attached rooms. After all, we have classrooms, computer labs, and sitting areas attached. It was an uneasy truce.
Then, with no warning, the equality was shattered. I blew into the dining hall today during the twenty minute break. Knowing I had to be done eating and back to Old Main in less than seventeen minute didn't leave me time to realize the long-awaited day had arrived. In fact, it wasn't until I sat down across from Chelsie that I noticed the TV was finally turned on. Closed captioning was spreading across Fox News, and the tie was broken. Natty once again had the nicer dining experience.
No doubt McDonald's will move to close the gap quickly—they didn't become the premier fast food chain by being lazy or stupid (their customers take care of that). In fact, Natty might be making it easy for them. The first two minutes of my dining hall television viewing were interrupted by an inappropriate commercial. We'll have to get that one worked out quickly, but for the moment, we have the lead again.
At 9:38 PM,
McDonald's does have something that Maranatha will (hopefully) never have... Ronald. That scary clown wearing big red shoes.
At 8:33 AM,
Admittedly I’m a bit prejudice, however, I must say I too was surprised a few week ago when I walked in I was so shocked to see McDonalds looking like that!! In all my travels and after having been in McDonalds around the world, I’ve never seen one like this. Not only had I never seen one like that, but it is right here in our own Watertown!!! Although it is a wonderful atmosphere to enjoy a Big Mac, fries and Coke, but nothing can ever compare to the wonderful atmosphere, family environment and just plain fun, happenin’ place that our lovely Maranatha Dining Hall.
At 11:30 PM,
A.T. Pierson, if only I had your knowledge of dinning hall news. I work there, and I had no idea that we got it, though I was content with FoxNews......ESPN news changes everything. I'm not even being sarcastic, I'm being serious.
At 2:41 PM,
tip: avoid french. and the word 'natha.' and choke up on the bat.