McDonald’s Mondays: 10 Reasons This Should Be a Real Thing Soon

 

When you combine consumer craving for comfort food with the psychology of routine, you get an untapped goldmine: McDonald’s Mondays. According to Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA-based Foodservice Solutions®, brands that build ritualized eating habits create daily relevance that drives long-term success. Outside eyes can elevate inside results driving top-line sales and botton-line profits, Johnson ideation can do just that!

Why McDonald's Monday's

to Build a 

Larger Share of Stomach

Here’s why McDonald’s should own Mondays — and how it can win over customers one week at a time:

1. Start the Week with a Predictable Treat

Insight: Customers crave structure, especially at the start of the week. A familiar, affordable meal like a McChicken or Sausage McMuffin adds comfort and consistency.
Grocerant Guru® Tip: Repetition equals relevance. Offer bundled Monday deals that reward routine — think BOGO breakfast sandwiches or $5 combo meals.

2. Reignite Dine-Out Habits Post-Weekend

Insight: Consumer traffic dips on Mondays after a weekend of spending. A McDonald’s Monday promo reverses that trend.
Grocerant Guru® Tip: Drive top-line growth with limited-time meal components like Monday-only sauces, secret menu hacks, or collectible toys.

 

3. Anchor Daypart Promotions Around Breakfast

Insight: McDonald's dominates breakfast — but Monday is when people skip it most. That’s opportunity.
Grocerant Guru® Tip: Push "Desk to Drive-Thru" bundles like Egg McMuffin + Premium Roast Coffee for under $3. Add a digital receipt coupon for a lunch discount.

4. Create a Weekly Brand Ritual

Insight: Brand rituals like “Taco Tuesday” or “Pizza Friday” drive repeat behavior. McDonald’s owns the scale to own Mondays.
Grocerant Guru® Tip: Position it as “Your First Win of the Week.” Use in-app push alerts to offer early morning deals and encourage check-in behaviors.

 

5. Drive App Engagement Through Exclusivity

Insight: 74% of Gen Z and Millennials prefer ordering through apps — especially for exclusive offers.
Grocerant Guru® Tip: Launch a McDonald’s Monday "Scratch & Save" digital promo — unlock surprise discounts only through the app every Monday.

6. Turn Monday into a Social Media Movement

Insight: Consumers love alliteration and shareable rituals. #McDonaldsMondays can trend with little effort.
Grocerant Guru® Tip: Seed content with influencers showcasing meal deals, mood-boosting meals, and happy team lunches. Celebrate user-generated content.

 

7. Incentivize Groups and Office Orders

Insight: Office workers are more likely to order food at the beginning of the week when meal planning is low.
Grocerant Guru® Tip: Offer group ordering discounts — “Buy 4, get 1 free” bundles or team-size nugget deals. Add a catering-friendly breakfast tray.

8. Increase Cross-Daypart Sales

Insight: 62% of quick-service customers will revisit a brand twice in one day if incentivized.
Grocerant Guru® Tip: Print “Come Back Coupons” on Monday morning receipts valid for Monday dinner — meal continuity drives frequency and trust.

 

9. Test New Menu Items at Low-Risk Times

Insight: Monday provides a low-stakes window to trial new sauces, snack wraps, or bundling techniques.
Grocerant Guru® Tip: Use Mondays to spotlight global menu items or regional LTOs. Drive curiosity with statements like “Only on McDonald’s Monday.”

10. Boost Check Averages Through Bundled Meal Components

Insight: The grocerant strategy thrives on mix-and-match meal component bundling.
Grocerant Guru® Tip: Create McDonald’s Monday Bundles (entrée + drink + side) that allow customers to swap items — such as a Filet-O-Fish + apple slices + iced coffee — creating perceived value without deep discounting.

 

Think About This from the Grocerant Guru®:

“McDonald’s Mondays isn’t just a promotion — it’s a pathway to brand ritual, digital engagement, and frequency-driven success. In today’s convenience-centric food landscape, winning the week starts with winning Monday.” – Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru®

Success Leaves Clues—Are You Ready to Find Yours?

One key insight that continues to drive success is this: "The consumer is dynamic, not static." This principle is the foundation of our work at Foodservice Solutions®, where Steven Johnson, the Grocerant Guru®, has been helping brands stay relevant in an ever-evolving market.

Want to strengthen your brand’s connection with today’s consumers? Let’s talk. Call 253-759-7869 for more information.

Stay Ahead of the Competition with Fresh Ideas

Is your food marketing keeping up with tomorrow’s trends—or stuck in yesterday’s playbook? If you're ready for fresh ideations that set your brand apart, we’re here to help.

At Foodservice Solutions®, we specialize in consumer-driven retail food strategies that enhance convenience, differentiation, and individualization—key factors in driving growth.

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Food Apps: The Food Industry's New Electricity

 

In today's fast-paced digital era, mobile applications have become the lifeblood of the food industry, much like electricity revolutionized industries in the past. For Generation Z and Millennials, smartphones are not just communication tools but gateways to culinary experiences, transforming mobile devices into 'mobile food courts' that drive both top-line sales and bottom-line profits.

The Rise of Handheld Marketing

The younger demographics have grown accustomed to handheld marketing, where personalized promotions and seamless ordering experiences are delivered directly to their smartphones. This shift has been accelerated by the widespread adoption of food delivery apps, which have fundamentally altered the landscape of the food service industry. While these platforms offer convenience to consumers and new sales channels for restaurants, they also present significant challenges in terms of profitability, operational complexity, and maintaining control over the customer experience.

Mobile Phones as 'Foodservice Super Highways'

Steven Johnson, Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA-based Foodservice Solutions®, aptly describes mobile phones as the 'foodservice super highway'—a platform every brand must establish a presence on to remain competitive. This perspective is supported by the significant growth in digital ordering and delivery services. For instance, Dutch Bros Inc. reported a 34.9% increase in fourth-quarter revenue, attributing part of this success to plans for expanding mobile ordering and introducing more food options.

The Importance of Embracing 'New Electricity'

Incorporating mobile apps into a food brand's strategy is not merely a trend but a necessity for sustained growth and relevance. This 'new electricity'—the integration of digital technology into foodservice—enhances customer engagement, streamlines operations, and opens new revenue streams. Brands that fail to adapt risk losing market share to more tech-savvy competitors.

The Role of 'New Electricity' in Creating Brand Relevance

A brand without relevance is a brand destined to fade. The modern food consumer is digitally connected, socially engaged, and convenience-driven. Brands must embrace 'new electricity' to remain top-of-mind and indispensable in consumers' daily lives. Creating brand relevance through digital engagement involves:

1.       Personalized Marketing: AI-driven promotions and loyalty programs that anticipate consumer needs and provide tailored incentives.

2.       Seamless User Experience: A frictionless digital ordering and payment process that enhances customer satisfaction.

3.       Social Media Integration: Leveraging platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to create shareable content and drive organic brand advocacy.

4.       On-Demand Convenience: Fast, reliable delivery and pickup options that cater to the 'I-want-it-now' culture.

5.       Omnichannel Engagement: Ensuring a cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints, from in-app interactions to in-store encounters.

Five Reasons Food Brands Need to Be on the 'Foodservice Super Highway'

1.       Enhanced Customer Convenience: Mobile ordering allows customers to place orders from anywhere, catering to the on-the-go lifestyle of modern consumers. This convenience can lead to increased order frequency and higher sales.

2.       Increased Operational Efficiency: Implementing a mobile ordering system streamlines the ordering process, reducing errors and freeing up staff to focus on food preparation and customer service. This efficiency can result in faster service and improved customer satisfaction.

3.       Data-Driven Insights: Mobile apps collect valuable data on customer preferences and behaviors, enabling brands to tailor their offerings, optimize marketing strategies, and make informed business decisions.

4.       Competitive Advantage: A well-designed mobile app can differentiate a brand in a crowded market, attracting tech-savvy consumers and positioning the brand as innovative and customer-focused.

5.       Adaptation to Changing Consumer Habits: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift towards delivery and takeout. Embracing mobile technology allows brands to meet these evolving consumer preferences and maintain relevance in a transformed dining landscape.

In conclusion, as mobile technology continues to permeate every aspect of life, food brands must harness this 'new electricity' to power their growth and stay connected with the digitally native generations. By establishing a strong presence on the 'foodservice super highway,' brands can drive sales, enhance customer loyalty, and secure a competitive edge in the ever-evolving food industry.

Drive Sales. Boost Profits. Stay a Step Ahead.

The Foodservice Solutions® team is dedicated to helping you grow your top-line sales and bottom-line profits.

Are you looking a customer ahead? We have the strategies to get you there.

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Grocerants: A Business Model Driving Food Sales Success

 

The food industry is undergoing a major transformation, reshaping the way consumers select and experience meals. Through the lens of Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® it's evident that grocerants—a hybrid business model that blends elements of grocery stores, restaurants, and convenience stores—are at the forefront of this change. By integrating prepared meals with traditional grocery shopping, grocerants are redefining the "new family meal," saving time while elevating food quality and expanding consumer choices.

A Historical Perspective on Grocerants

The concept of combining food retail and prepared meals isn't new, but its modern evolution began gaining momentum in the early 2000s. At the time, grocery stores started expanding their deli counters and adding hot food bars to cater to busy consumers. Over the past two decades, this model has evolved further, now incorporating fully integrated dining experiences, including sushi bars, chef-prepared meals, and high-quality takeout options.

The Consumer Struggle: Finding Fresh, Full-Flavored Quick Meal Solutions

Consumers today face a significant challenge: balancing the need for fresh, flavorful meals with the convenience required by their fast-paced lifestyles. Home meal replacement (HMR) options, initially introduced as a solution, often fell short due to their lack of variety, freshness, or high-quality ingredients. Traditional frozen meals, while convenient, don't always deliver the taste or nutrition consumers expect. Restaurant takeout is another alternative but can be costly and inconsistent in quality. This gap has fueled the rapid growth of grocerants, which offer freshly prepared, high-quality meals at a reasonable price, meeting the expectations of modern diners.

Why Consumers Are Flocking to Grocerants

1.       Convenience is King
With the demands of modern life, time-saving solutions are paramount. Grocerants provide a one-stop solution where consumers can shop for groceries and enjoy a freshly prepared meal in the same location. This particularly appeals to dual-income households, professionals, and busy parents.

2.       Cost-Effectiveness
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights that restaurant menu prices have consistently risen, while grocery prices have increased at a slower rate. Grocerants offer an attractive middle ground, providing the experience of dining out at a more affordable price.

3.       Quality and Variety
Unlike traditional frozen meals or fast food, grocerants emphasize fresh ingredients and diverse menu options, catering to a broad range of dietary preferences and culinary tastes.

4.       Catering to Modern Spending Habits
Millennials, now the largest consumer segment, prefer experiences over material goods. Dining in a grocerant merges the restaurant experience with grocery shopping. Research by Harris Group shows that millennials are willing to spend up to 78% more on experiences that offer convenience and customization.

Food Industry Trends Fueling Grocerant Growth

·         Social Media Influence
Platforms like Instagram have transformed meals into shareable experiences. Grocerants capitalize on this by offering visually appealing dining spaces and Instagrammable dishes, encouraging consumers to promote them online.

·         Sustainability Matters
A Nielsen study indicates that 73% of consumers prefer brands committed to sustainability. Grocerants often emphasize locally sourced ingredients, reduced packaging, and transparency about food origins, aligning with eco-conscious values.

·         The On-Demand Revolution
With the rise of food delivery apps, consumer expectations have shifted toward speed and accessibility. Grocerants respond by offering meal kits, grab-and-go options, and app-based ordering to meet the needs of tech-savvy shoppers.

The Future of Home Cooking: What Could Fill the Gap in Five Years?

While grocerants are bridging the gap between grocery shopping and restaurant dining, the evolution of food convenience continues. Looking ahead, these innovations may further redefine home meal solutions:

1.       Smart Kitchen Integration
AI-powered appliances and smart kitchen assistants will guide home cooks with real-time recipe recommendations based on available ingredients, reducing meal planning time and food waste.

2.       Hyper-Personalized Meal Kits
Customizable meal kits tailored to specific dietary needs, freshness preferences, and even individual nutritional goals will become more prevalent, offering a fresh alternative to prepackaged meals.

3.       Automated Fresh Food Vending
Vending machines stocked with fresh, chef-prepared meals and healthy options will be conveniently placed in workplaces, transit hubs, and residential areas, making quick meal solutions more accessible.

4.       Grocerant AI Shopping Assistants
AI-driven platforms will allow consumers to pre-select fresh meal components online, which grocerants will then prepare for pickup or delivery, reducing wait times while maintaining meal freshness.

Reimagining the "New Family Meal"

The grocerant model is not just about convenience; it reflects the evolving needs of modern families, whether they consist of young couples, single parents, or roommates. Instead of spending hours cooking, families can now enjoy chef-quality meals tailored to their tastes without compromising on time or flavor.

The Future of Grocerants

Grocerants have moved beyond being a niche trend to becoming a fundamental part of the food industry's future. By 2030, industry experts predict grocerants could account for a significant share of global food retail sales. Traditional grocery stores must adapt by integrating dining experiences into their business models to remain competitive.

In the ever-changing food industry landscape, grocerants represent more than just a business model—they are a consumer-driven revolution. By delivering quality, variety, and convenience all in one location, grocerants have cemented their role as a cornerstone of the modern dining experience, offering a win-win solution for both consumers and food retailers.

Gain a Competitive Edge with a Grocerant ScoreCard

Unlock new opportunities with a Grocerant ScoreCard, designed to optimize product positioning, placement, and consumer engagement.

Since 1991, Foodservice Solutions® has been the global leader in the Grocerant niche—helping brands identify high-growth strategies that resonate with modern consumers.

📞 Call 253-759-7869 or 📩 Email Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us

Starbucks is Banking on Interactive Participatory Marketing

 

Starbucks, the world’s largest coffee chain, has recently announced a new loyalty partnership with Bank of America, one of the leading financial institutions in the U.S. The partnership aims to offer millions of Bank of America cardholders and Starbucks Rewards members the opportunity to earn more benefits by linking their accounts. This is an example of interactive participatory marketing, a strategy that involves engaging customers in co-creating value and enhancing their experience with a brand driving new electricity into both brands according to Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions®.

Interactive participatory marketing is based on the premise that customers are not passive recipients of marketing messages, but active participants who seek meaningful interactions with brands that reflect their values, preferences, and lifestyles. By inviting customers to join a community, share feedback, customize products, or access exclusive rewards, brands can foster loyalty, trust, and advocacy among their customers.

Starbucks and Bank of America are leveraging interactive participatory marketing to create a win-win situation for both parties. For Starbucks, the partnership allows them to tap into a large customer base of Bank of America cardholders, who can now earn cash back and Stars (the currency of Starbucks Rewards) on their purchases at Starbucks. This can increase the frequency and amount of spending at Starbucks, as well as the retention and satisfaction of Starbucks Rewards members. For Bank of America, the partnership enables them to offer their clients a unique value proposition that combines financial and lifestyle rewards. This can enhance their competitive advantage, customer loyalty, and cross-selling opportunities.

The partnership also benefits the customers, who can enjoy more rewards and convenience by linking their accounts. Customers can earn 2% cash back from Bank of America and one Star per $2 spent at Starbucks, on top of the rewards or card benefits they already earn. They can also unlock their benefits through qualifying Starbucks in-app purchases with their linked Bank of America debit or credit card, such as reloading a digital Starbucks gift card, ordering ahead, or paying in the app at the register. The Stars earned can be redeemed for free drinks, food, merchandise, and whole bean coffee at Starbucks.

By offering customers more ways to earn and redeem rewards, Starbucks and Bank of America are creating a positive feedback loop that encourages customers to engage more with both brands. This can lead to higher customer lifetime value, word-of-mouth, and brand equity for both partners. Interactive participatory marketing is a powerful tool that can help brands differentiate themselves in a crowded and competitive market, and create lasting relationships with their customers. Starbucks and Bank of America are showing how this strategy can drive sales and growth for both parties.

Are you looking for new customers? Do you want to keep your current customers while building new electricity? According to Johnson, “Brand relevance is in part driven with innovation in new food products in combination with new avenues of distribution all of which are the platform for the new electricity.” 

Johnson stated “that in my minds-eye the new electricity must be very efficient for the supply and includes such things as fresh foods, developing brands, unique urban clothing, grocerant positioning, fresh food messaging, autonomous delivery, cashier-less retail, plates, glasses, cash-less payments, digital hand-held marketing. Don’t limit your ideations to just a new menu item. Think local, grow with others that are successful around you.

All retailers to survive the next generation of retail must embrace the artificial intelligence revolution while simultaneously embracing fresh food that is portable, fresh, with differentiation that is familiar not different. 

Foodservice Solutions® team is here to help you drive top line sales and bottom-line profits. Are you looking a customer ahead? Visit GrocerantGuru.com for more information or contact: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us Remember success does leave clues and we just may the clue you need to propel your continued success.