We Cooked With A Former McDonald's Chef. What He Showed Us Was Shocking.

The Price Surge and Loss of Value00:00:05

McDonald's and other fast food chains are seeing prices rise far faster than inflation. Former corporate insiders reveal that companies are sacrificing product quality to maximize profits for shareholders.

The Evolution of the Fast Food Business Model00:02:12

A look at the history of the 'value menu' and how the industry shifted from attracting budget-conscious customers to focusing on high-tech automation and complex corporate structures.

McDonald's as a Real Estate Giant00:06:01

McDonald's primarily operates through a franchise model where the corporation acts more like a landlord and ad agency than a restaurant operator, collecting billions in rent and fees while offloading operational costs to franchisees.

Cost-Cutting and Shrinkflation00:10:52

A former McDonald's chef demonstrates how companies use techniques like extra breading, higher fat content in beef, and smaller portion sizes to maintain margins while cutting costs, often deceiving the consumer's perception of value.

Profitability vs. Quality: McDonald's vs. In-N-Out00:14:31

A comparison between McDonald's shareholder-driven model and In-N-Out's private, quality-focused model reveals how corporate priorities, stock buybacks, and excessive markup strategies directly impact the consumer experience.