McDonald's has demonstrated exceptional skill in choosing locations for its restaurants, which has been instrumental in its success. The company was at the forefront of analyzing and selecting ideal spots for retail businesses, focusing on areas where urban expansion or suburban growth was most likely to occur.
Eric Schlosser’s statement highlights how McDonald's uses strategic site selection as a competitive advantage. By studying trends such as the spread of residential neighborhoods into previously rural areas—often referred to as sprawl—McDonald's is able to predict and capitalize on future consumer demand for fast food services. This foresight allows them to open restaurants in locations that are likely to attract a large number of customers over time, contributing significantly to their market dominance.
Eric Schlosser is an investigative journalist known for his detailed explorations into American industrial practices and the fast-food industry. His book "Fast Food Nation," which delves deeply into the cultural, economic, and political implications of the fast food business, is widely recognized and has garnered significant attention from both critics and readers alike.