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How France Fell for Le Big Mac

McDonald's French operation is company's 2nd most profitable

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 19, 2008 11:59 AM CDT

(Newser) – After the US, what country has the most profitable McDonald's franchises in the world? The surprising answer: it's France, home of the Michelin Guide and the three-hour lunch. The London Times travels to Paris to discover how the French have begun to adopt Anglo-American eating practices, abandoning the leisurely midday meal for a burger or sandwich to go.

Most French employees still receive a ticket-restaurant, a lunch voucher valid in any establishment. But between tough economic times and more American styles of work, many workers spend them at fast-food joints instead of bistros. In Paris, chic salad-and-sandwich establishments are all the rage, but many workers still swear by Mickey D's—or "Macdoh," to use the French abbreviation.

McDonalds in Paris, where Perrier and fries go together.
McDonalds in Paris, where Perrier and fries go together.   (Flickr)
McDonald's France is the fast food giant's second most profitable operation, after the United States.
McDonald's France is the fast food giant's second most profitable operation, after the United States.   (Flickr)
At McDoh, you can get a Kronenbourg to go along with your Royale with Cheese.
At McDoh, you can get a Kronenbourg to go along with your Royale with Cheese.   (Flickr)
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