Time was, the unspoken rule for running a McDonald’s restaurant was don’t make anybody too comfortable.
Bring in the customers, then move them out. Hard benches and Spartan décor helped keep the place from developing into a leisurely hangout.
Now, that’s exactly the kind of hangout McDonald’s wants to cultivate.
The burger giant increasingly competes for customers with coffee giant Starbucks, Panera and even Dunkin’ Donuts.
So along with more upscale coffee and salads, McDonald’s is investing about $1 billion nationwide in a broad revamp.