McDonald's Uses 'Friendly People' to Challenge Starbucks

From the WOMMA Blog:

Anyone can brew a cup of coffee, so when McDonald's decided to step into the coffee category, it opted to use "friendly people" to give Starbucks a run for its money. The idea, according to the Brand Autopsy blog, is that while a product can be replicated, a customer experience is harder to imitate.

First of all, "anyone can brew a cup of coffee" is a misdirected comment. Its not about knowing how to brew it, its having good coffee and the right machines - McDonald's will have neither.

Second, I'm sure we've all run into a cranky barista or two in our day, but do we REALLY think McDonald's people will be nicer? C'mon...

Third, and listen closely Ronald McDonald, Starbucks is about the experience. Generally nice environment, smells like coffee, plush furniture, etc. McDonald's, even if they brew the best coffee on Earth, will still smell like Egg McMuffins.

Much has been written about the "Starbucks trying to be like McDonald's" with their new food offerings, and "McDonald's trying to be like Starbucks" with their coffee. Here's the rub for Mickey D's...the Starbucks sandwiches are good, the coffee at McDonald's still sucks.