Cardi B & Offset — McDonald’s Franchisees Claim Rappers’ Meal Broke ‘Golden Arch Code’

Cardi B & Offset — McDonald’s Franchisees Claim Rappers’ Meal Broke ‘Golden Arch Code’

It looks like not everyone is happy with Cardi B and Offset’s recent collaboration with McDonald’s!

Cardi B and Offset’s partnership with McDonald’s is starting to receive criticism from several franchisees. According to reports, the recent collaboration has been accused of breaking the brand’s Golden Arches Code.

Reportedly, several McDonald’s store owners have been vocal about their disdain for the couple’s partnership, with some removing advertising and merchandise associated with the promotion. Those owners argue that the couple’s image doesn’t align with McDonald’s family-friendly values.

According to reports, the majority of the complaints come from franchisee owners with restaurants operating in the Southeastern and mid-Atlantic regions.

Cardi B, Offset

McDonald’s Golden Arches Code for marketing states that promotions and branding shouldn’t include

“musical partnerships associated with content that includes offensive language in the lyrics.”

Cardi B and Offset aren’t the only celebs who have partnered with the fast food giant. Back in 2020, McDonald’s and Travis Scott joined forces. The rapper became the first celebrity to be featured on its menu in nearly 30 years — since Michael Jordan’s collab meal in 1992.

While McDonald’s executives state that the collaborations have increased the company’s earnings and generated excitement and brand interest among consumers, franchisees have not been on board with the celebrity-based promotions.

Despite helping the company to drive more online orders and app downloads, surveys say sixty-five percent of U.S. franchisees didn’t support the Travis Scott collaboration.

Travis Scott

Despite the negative feedback from franchisees, McDonald’s executives say it’s not enough to stop the brand from continuing to pursue collaborations with other celebrities, as it continues its focus on increasing its consumer base and sustaining its popularity with the youth and young adults.

McDonald’s U.S. Chief Marketing Officer Tariq Hassan told sources, 

“Across our marketing, we’re focused on putting McDonald’s at the center of culture.”

In addition to Cardi B, Offset, and Travis Scott, other celebs who have partnered up with McDonald’s include BTS, Saweetie, and J Balvin.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!

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