Burger King made an offer that McDonald's could refuse. Perhaps, McDonald's should reconsider.
The number-two burger chain placed ads in the Chicago Tribune and New York Times yesterday calling on its rival to join with it in a one-day promotion to create the McWhopper, a combination of the two companies iconic sandwiches, to raise awareness and funds in support of the International Day of Peace.
In a post on Facebook, McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook expressed support for the two brands to work together to "do something bigger to make a difference," but took issue with Burger King's copy that he saw as equating the "friendly business competition" between the two companies with "the real pain and suffering of war."
Mr. Easterbrook concluded that his company would be in touch with Burger King followed with a PS that "a simple phone call will do next time."
Source: Burger King and McDonald's Facebook pages
Responses on McDonald's Facebook page were overwhelming negative. It seems that on the public relations side of the friendly competition between the two, Burger King came out ahead this time. Following are representative samples of responses to Mr. Easterbrook's post.
"Way to screw up more than just my order this time McDonald's." Samantha Koenegstein
"You missed the boat again McDummy. No wonder why your sales have slumped lately. Poor management. BK will get my business. At least they offered an olive branch instead of sarcasm." Jim Padilla
"What a shame. I was actually looking forward to this. You think your brands could 'do something bigger' by not doing this? Why not do something bigger after doing this. My business will go to Burger King." Brian Finney