Letter to The Sheet

Dear Editor,

As one of the 27 people who read Colin Wolf’s “Off the Slopes” article printed on Saturday, Jan. 3, I wanted to comment on his hard-hitting and fact-based style of investigative journalism. One ‘fact’ he mentioned in particular, that I wholeheartedly agree with, was his observation that his article “might be the stupidest thing you ever read.”
The McDonald’s restaurant in Mammoth Lakes is proud to serve more than 250,000 customers a year, offering them high quality food, prepared in a clean and safe environment, served by fast and friendly employees, all at affordable prices.
Across our menu board we are the least expensive restaurant in town. For over 5 years we have offered the long-term value of our ‘Dollar Menu’: 10 items priced at only $1 (including sandwiches, salads, fries and drinks). Since June 2008 our 42 oz. soft drinks have been on sale for only 69¢. We also periodically offer short-term price promotions such as our current 2 Big Macs for $3.50.
In order to manage our overall business costs we have instituted a sauce policy limiting the number of free sauces given out for specific product purchases. Ketchup, mustard and salsa condiments are given out free as needed to our customers. Most McDonald’s nationwide have similar policies.
Since taking over ownership of this McDonald’s 4 years ago, my wife and I have re-invested more than $800,000 to improve this restaurant’s appearance and functionality and make it contemporary and relevant for our customers and employees. Improvements include new kitchen equipment, new seating and décor, updated restrooms, ADA accessibility, a new roof, painted building and landscaping, updated signage and a clock tower that actually works! As one of the first businesses the public sees as they enter the Town of Mammoth Lakes we want to proudly represent the community and our brand.
One of the things we are proudest about is the quality of the hamburgers, fries, salads, chicken, beverages and desserts we serve. McDonald’s quality is unmatched by any of our competitors. In addition we twice daily conduct food safety audits on all our cooked products to insure our customers the safest and freshest products we can deliver. Local health inspections confirm we run one of the cleanest and food-safe operations in town. Since Mr. Wolf’s article did a lot of “huffing and puffing” about our Chicken McNuggets, I will tell you factually that this outstanding product is made from all white meat boneless chicken, battered and breaded, and prepared (like our world-famous French Fries) in 100% vegetable oil with zero grams of trans fat.
Our valued managers and crew (or as Mr. Wolf calls them “McPloyees”) enjoy one of the best entry-level jobs, working conditions and career opportunities of any business in this area. We offer competitive pay, bi-annual performance reviews and raises, flexible hours, free employee meals, paid vacation, health insurance, recognition and bonus programs, national brand retailer discounts, and college accredited management training. Most importantly we give all our employees the opportunity to work year-round in a safe, fun and respectful workplace.
Mr. Wolf ends his article with a call to action: “We’re in a recession McDonald’s, help us out a little.” And so in addition to our everyday value, and our long-term commitment to the community as demonstrated from our fundraising and sponsorship of a wide variety of organizations and causes; I would like to announce that on Thursday, Jan. 22, McDonald’s of Mammoth Lakes will relax our ‘draconian’ sauce policy by giving out to all our customers 2 additional free sauces on any order that day. We would also encourage Mr. Wolf (as a professional journalist following up on a big story) to come out that morning to cover McDonald’s $10,000 donation from the Ronald McDonald House Charities to Mammoth Lakes Hospital’s Pediatric Department. That evening he can head over to McDonald’s to “get sauced,” review our Playland rules prohibiting anyone more than 12-years-old inside (or perhaps I’ve overestimated his age) and then run out and howl at the moon.

Kevin and Lis Mazzu McDonald’s Owner-Operators
Mammoth Lakes, CA

Editor’s reply: How much free advertising can one restaurant owner squeeze out of a sauce packet? You’re McWelcome!