It seems as though McDonald’s has closed the coffin on the clown. Ronald McDonald — the chain’s goofy, red-headed mascot of 48 years — has outworn his welcome under the golden arches in a corporate effort to create a more chic and sophisticated image of Mickey D’s. After increased competition from chains like Starbucks, the fast-food giant is more focused on selling profitable coffee drinks and trendy salads than Big Macs and McFlurrys.
The burger company’s subtle yet vast campaign to revamp their image hasn’t stopped with the decreased presence of the infamous clown in advertisements. They are attempting to class up the restaurants that are usually littered with stray balls from the kids play-pit by installing padded seating and offering free wifi to attract a more modern and upscale clientele. Read more.