Gregory Morrow wrote:

> Interesting...I've read that France is McDonald's single most
> profitable market outside of the US. IIRC there is a French chain
> that offers nothing but frozen food for sale...and it's very, very
> popular.

I find that almost as hard to swallow as a Big Mac. I have been to France several times and MacDonalds outlets
are few and far between, usually located only in the areas most frequented by tourists.


> And what about those "Irish" pubs that are ubiquitous absolutely
> everywhere? Those are big world - wide chain operations, not the
> result of some disgruntled Irish ex - pat wanting to open up a wee bit
> 'o the old sod at the airport in Osaka or in downtown Santiago....

Are "Irish" pubs a franchise? I have seen lots of them around, but none of them appeared to be a franchise. I
was in a local "Irish" pub a few weeks ago. It's been around for a few years and I wish I had tried it out
sooner. They had a great selection of beer, and wonderful Irish stew.