The Eight Best Lines From Bloomberg's Profile of a Disgruntled McDonald's Franchisee

Times are tough for the chain's independent owners.

McDonald's has lost its mojo in recent years, and for the first time ever the fast food giant is closing more stores than it's opening. But, Mickey D's hasn't stood idly by as problems have risen — quite the opposite. The chain has tried all sorts of new menu items and drinks, and it will soon launch nationwide all-day breakfast. The problem is, none of that has done much to help, and many franchisees haven't been pleased with all of the changes. Bloomberg recently profiled Al Jarvis, who recently sold his franchise after nearly 50 years with the company. Jarvis voices many of the frustrations that have been common among McDonald's franchisees. Here now, the eight best lines from the profile.

Jarvis on all the changes McDonald's has implemented in an attempt to boost sales: "I think they went a little overboard. It was difficult in the kitchen. When I would come down Apple Street behind the restaurant and see cars backed up at the drive-thru, my stomach would just knot up. The people were different, the company was different. It became very frustrating."

Jarvis on new menu items: "I feel sorry for the managers and the crew. That's not our niche. We make burgers and fries."

Bob Goldin, executive vice president at researcher Technomic, on the chain's attempts to boost sales: "They're doing too much. And they don't seem to be the best at anything anymore."

Jarvis on what the food quality was like when he bought his first franchise: "I wanted a fry person who, when the fries were seven minutes old in the fry basket, they would throw them away. It's in the manual."

Jarvis on quality over speed as a recipe for success: "If I go to a restaurant and wait a few minutes and have a great meal, I'll overlook a little more time. If I have a bad meal, I'm never going back."

Annette Snyder, Jarvis' general manager, on the McCafe drinks that have been introduced in recent years: "The drinks are all very good, but you have one machine, and it only makes the drinks so fast. It has really slowed things down."

Keith Berg, who bought Jarvis' franchise, on good intentions that might not be easy to realize: "We need to continue to be a quick-service restaurant and also keep in mind what customers are asking for."

Jarvis, after years of frustration, on still being reluctant to leave McDonald's: "It's like I sold my family."

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