McDonalds

Long before he became an NBA Hall of Famer, Paul Pierce was a senior at Inglewood High School thrilled to be chosen to play in the 1995 McDonald’s All-American Game, a nationally televised showcase that has brought together 24 of the best prep players in the country every year since 1978.

The McDonald’s all-time scoring record of 30 points had been set in 1981 by (who else?) Michael Jordan a month after his 18th birthday. Fourteen years later Pierce scored at a blistering pace, yet because someone had stolen his jersey, he played a portion of the game with the name “McCoy” on the back.

Broadcasters credited “McCoy” with several baskets and apparently the scorekeeper couldn’t keep track either. In the box score, Pierce was credited with 28 points. In his mind, he was certain he had more than 30.

He painstakingly watched the game tape and, sure enough, he had scored 31 points. Yet the official McDonald’s record book didn’t recognize it, and Jordan continued to hold the record until Jonathan Bender put up 31 in 1999.

That is just one of the delightful, insightful stories included in the feature-length documentary “Meal Ticket,” an exhaustively researched labor of love by co-directors Corey Colvin and Carlton Gerard Sabbs of production company Stony & Yates. The film will premiere Thursday on Prime Video.

Meanwhile, Jordan had his own beef with McDonald’s — or at least his mother did. He was not given the John R. Wooden Award as Most Valuable Player in that 1981 game even though he set the scoring record and made shots during the East team’s last five possessions, including the winning basket in a 96-95 victory.

Chase Budinger, left, and Kevin Durant, co-MVPs of the 2006 McDonald’s All-American High School basketball game, hold the MVP trophy in front of legendary coach John Wooden, center.

(Denis Poroy / Associated Press)

Deloris Jordan was not happy. On the elevator leaving the arena, she told broadcaster Billy Packer, “Poor Michael. My poor son Michael. He never gets any recognition. He never gets any respect.”

Soon, of course, her son would get his due, first for leading North Carolina to the NCAA title as a freshman — again sinking the winning shot — then for leading the Chicago Bulls to a record six NBA titles in eight years while winning 10 scoring titles. Michael Jordan is widely considered the greatest basketball player of all time.

Produced by Roc Nation, Known Originals and Creative Control, “Meal Ticket” chronicles the 49-year history of the McDonald’s All-American Games. Nearly 50 Naismith Hall of Famers were participants, and many reminisce for the documentary.

For most, the showcase was their first time on national television. At 17 or 18 years old, they were fresh-faced, eager and ultra-competitive. Colvin, 41, and Sabbs, 39, dug deep into archives of games and surrounding activities provided by McDonald’s and ESPN, and the result is a balanced blend of action footage and fond memories.

“We tried to illustrate the parallel between the McDonald’s game and the growth of the sport,” Colvin said. “I honestly feel it’s a power hidden within the McDonald’s game that people haven’t paid attention to. If you want to know where basketball is going, watch the McDonald’s game.”

Among the key developments was founder Bob Geoghan expanding the event to include girls’ basketball, launching a doubleheader format with the boys beginning in 2002 that proved immensely popular.

Two years later Candace Parker won the annual Slam Dunk Contest, defeating among others JR Smith and Josh Smith, both of whom would be NBA first-round picks within months. Parker’s achievement was so unlikely that her own brother hung up on her when she called to tell the family, according to the documentary. Just another nugget unearthed by Colvin and Sabbs.

The creative careers of the Chicago South Side products began with directing branded content, and their mentors, directors Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah, helped them make a pitch to McDonald’s in 2022 for an independent documentary.

Early fears that the fast-food colossus would be overly brand conscious and dictate content were allayed. Mickey D’s not only gave the directors the rights to tell the story, but also provided game footage while steering clear of editorial meddling.

Bronny James of the West team talks to his dad, LeBron James of the Lakers, at the 2003 McDonald’s All-American Game in Houston, Texas.

(Alex Bierens de Haan / Getty Images)

“You’d think with McDonald’s, they’d be very hands-on to position and push the brand,” Sabbs said. “But they were good partners. We were even concerned about the name, ‘Meal Ticket,’ because it’s kind of edgy, a quadruple entendre. Would McDonald’s approve it? They stood by us. Nobody micromanaged us. And when they were around, we knew we’d be getting some french fries.”

The closest Sabbs and Colvin came to deviating from McDonald’s sanitized version of events came when the directors recognized the role Geoghan played in launching the Games. Amateur basketball luminaries Wooden — the legendary former UCLA coach with 10 national championships — Sonny Vaccaro and Sonny Hill were drawn into promoting the Games largely because Geoghan earmarked profits for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The documentary team immersed itself in the 2022 McDonald’s All-American Games, shadowing two boys and two girls throughout the weekend. Part of that story was the outpouring of emotion for Geoghan, who died at 87 in February 2022 and was honored at the Games a month later.

“When we were filming in 2022 we saw how deeply everyone respected Bob,” Sabbs said. “They did a tribute on the Jumbotron before the game and put a Bob Geoghan jersey and a dozen roses on the seat where he watched games.

“Bob never wanted to get rich off the McDonald’s Games. He was a humble guy who some said died penniless. I hope this film helps him and his family get some recognition for what he contributed to basketball. He really ought to be in the Naismith Hall of Fame and I hope that happens.”

All indications point to Geoghan redirecting attention to the court and the sheer number of precocious youngsters who went on from the showcase to legendary professional careers. California has produced the most McDonald’s players on both the boys and the girls teams. And simply considering those who eventually made their marks with the Lakers is staggering.

Magic Johnson starred in the first McDonald’s game in 1978. James Worthy played alongside Isiah Thomas, Dominique Wilkins and Ralph Sampson the next year. Shaquille O’Neal was MVP in 1989. Kobe Bryant made highlight reel plays in 1996. JJ Redick was 2002 MVP and won the three-point shootout. LeBron James was MVP in 2003.

Bryant and James, of course, were among the elite players to jump straight from the showcase to the NBA, skipping college. Another player who did so, Amar’e Stoudemire, was physically dominant even when sharing the court with other future greats.

“I was a different kind of beast, man,” Stoudemire says in the documentary. “I’m not doing a finger roll off the glass move. I’m attacking the basket and I’m shaking the whole backboard. I think from that point on, everyone knew, ‘Stoud, he’s going to the NBA. He ain’t going to college.’ By the time we left, I’m sure there were a few screws and hinges that had left the rim.”

JR Smith also realized he was going to skip college for the NBA after dominating the McDonald’s Game in 2004, scoring 25 points on an assortment of dunks and long-range jumpers. He was committed to North Carolina but had made no secret that he didn’t want to go there.

Upon returning to the hotel after the game, Smith began running through the halls, yelling, “I’m going to the league!”

This year’s Games will take place March 31 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Ariz. The West boys roster will include Southern California products Brandon McCoy Jr. and Maximo Adams from Sierra Canyon, Christian Collins from St. John Bosco and James Crowe Jr. from Inglewood. Jerzy Robinson from Sierra Canyon and Cyndee Bryant from Corona Centennial will play in the girls game.

Even with NIL money seeping into players’ bank accounts, Sabbs and Colvin haven’t noticed a change in how the best of the best approach the McDonald’s All-American Games.

“All you hear are these stories from all-star games that the players don’t care anymore because there’s too much easy money,” Colvin said. “But these guys are competing, playing defense, diving on the floor. The McDonald’s Games are still a precursor for where the game is going, from elevating the girls to NIL, and we hope that comes across in the film.”

This resort has a taste-tempting trick up its sleeve that Jeff never imagined seeing during a recent trip up the mountains – a McDonald’s with the world’s first and only ski-thru window

A Swedish ski resort has come up with an unexpectedly unique way to top up your tummy while sliding down the slopes – with the unlikely help of a fast food giant.

Everyone who has been lucky enough to give it a go knows skiing is hungry work. And in minus double-digit Scandinavian temperatures, just the shivering burns enough calories to have you scouring the wintry landscape for lunch, a warm snack or hot drink.

Of course, there are all manner of options and temptations in the cosy or cavernous cafeterias and restaurants up and down the mountain. As I found out during a recent Crystal Ski trip, Lindvallen in western Sweden has another taste-tempting trick up its sleeve that I never imagined seeing during a recent trip up the mountains – a McDonald’s with the world’s first and only ski-thru window. Yes, really.

It might not seem a natural combination, and certainly looks odd. If you didn’t know it was there, you could well do a double-take as you ski down Valletorget’s central slope, look past the Experium Express chair lift, to the right of the vast Experiumtorget base building, and spot that unmistakably familiar structure.

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It’s curious enough to see the famous Golden Arches rising incongruously out of the snow, a dark wood-clad, multi-branded, single-story outlet of the worldwide chain, with full wraparound windows and the unusual addition of foot-deep snow covering the whole roof and rows of ski racks out front.

But the real surprise comes when you clock the outside service window. They’ve even given it a special, slightly tongue-in-cheek name – McSki. Opened in the resort in Sälen in western Sweden 30 years ago, even if you’re not a Maccies fan, it’s surely impossible to resist having a go.

The vast area linking several resorts has just got a lot closer after TUI launched flights direct to Scandinavian Mountains Airport, just a 20-minute transfer away. You don’t get the full drive-thru sister experience – no menu board with speaker station to place your order. But the full menu is available, seen through the glass on the left, when you ski or snowboard up to the sliding window, greeted by the familiarly uniformed McD’s employee smile from their significantly warmer surroundings.

Within minutes, you’re away with anything from just a McCafé coffee and pastry to a full Big Mac meal deal. There are outside tables, or if you don’t want to miss any more time on the piste than necessary, you can jump right back onto the heated seated lift a few yards away and enjoy your snack or lunch on your way back to the top for more.

To be honest, it’s not ideal or as attractive an option in February. When it’s minus 12 to minus 15, little is more welcome than a break indoors with your hands around a steaming coffee, tea or mug of hot chocolate.

But I’d wager a stack of McDonald’s Monopoly pieces that it comes into its own in March and April, when the weather is more suited to dining on the go.

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As well as hungry work, skiing is also a pricey pastime (which reminds me, the outlet’s prices roughly match the hike at motorway services in the UK).

So when you want to squeeze every run out of your time on the slopes and not spend ages stripping off multiple layers of garb – or in fact even stepping out of your skis – to satiate your thirst and replenish those calories, a quick stop at McSki might be just the order.

Offered alongside the full normal eat-in experience, McSki certainly brings a whole new meaning to the term fast food – and the Swedes and skiers are clearly lovin’ it.

If a snow-style McDonald’s is not your thing then there are other unique chains around the world. Customers can sit at sophisticated tables by a stunning fireplace while enjoy lobster rolls and McNuggets at this McDonald’s McMansion, in the Maine.

And there is another posh McDonald’s in New York. Fans have been wowed by this old mansion that has been restored and turned into a fancy fast-food eatery with a grand staircase, a glass conservatory, and posh booths to eat in. The historic property was previously home to other restaurants and was also used as a funeral home.

Book it

Crystal Ski Holidays (020 8610 3123) offers a bed and breakfast holiday in Högfjället, Sälen in Sweden, staying at the Sälens Högfjällshotell from £818 per person when booked online. Based on two adults sharing a Superior Twin Room, including flights from London Gatwick to Scandinavian Mountains Airport, transfers and 20kg hold luggage per person.

A NEW multi-million pound McDonald’s has opened in Europe – and it is the BIGGEST in the world.

The new restaurant is a remodelled version of the former restaurant at Disneyland Paris’s Disney Village.

The new €20million (£17.5million) restaurant is spread across 2,000sqm according to local reports.

This makes it the biggest in the world overtaking the Orlando, Florida restaurant which measures 1,800sqm.

The new French McDonald’s also seats up to 600 guests, which is 250 more than the Orlando site.

The restaurant is spread across three floors, with a 200-seat outdoor terrace.

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As visitors step inside, they will be greeted by a bright and spacious reception area and a wall with the outline of Disneyland Paris on it.

There is then also McCafé for caffeine fixes as well as unique French menu items like Croque McDo for €3.70 (£3.23).

For kids, there is even a three-story indoor play area.

Unlike other McDonald’s sites, this one also has a panoramic elevator as well as a curly slide between the floors.

And guests shouldn’t have to wait long to make their order as there are 23 self-service kiosks.

Otherwise there will be 210 employees, that speak 16 languages between them.

Boris Solbach, senior vice president, chief financial officer, Disneyland Paris said: “Since 1999, Disneyland Paris and McDonald’s have built a relationship grounded in trust and a shared vision of the guest experience.

“The opening of this new restaurant fully supports the transformation of Disney Village through a landmark project that combines innovative architecture, high-quality hospitality, and seamless integration into the site’s universe.”

The environment has also been thought about during the construction process and as a result, the restaurant has a green roof, planters and a 120sqm living wall.

The original Disney Village McDonald’s – which sits just next door – opened in 1999 but has now closed as the new venue has opened.

The restaurant will soon be demolished as well, as part of the wider plan to reimagine Disney Village.

Disney Village is located between the theme parks and Disney Hotels and has a number of shopping and dining experiences.

The village is currently undergoing a revamp and once complete will have new restaurants, shops, building facades and guest experiences.

The two new Disney shops will be a lifestyle shop with ready-to-wear clothing, jewellery and accessories and then there will also be a Disney home store with collectible items and decorations.

The Lego store has also been improved recently, with more photo opportunities, big builds and play stations.

Back in November, Sports Bar & Lounge reopened with an expanded dining area, redesigned terrace and fresh interiors.

The bar also now has a giant fresco featuring Goofy and another featuring Big Hero 6: The Series on the restaurant’s façade.

Pelé Soccer, a new shop dedicated to the world of football, will open soon as well.

Last year, McDonald’s opened its biggest site in Europe last year in Majorca, Spain.

The restaurant can be found at Level P30, Module A Airside of Palma de Mallorca Airport in the Spanish island and sprawls across 1,000sqm.

There are a number of McDonald’s across the world that also double as tourist spots.

For example, the UK’s ‘most beautiful’ McDonald’s has its own ‘beer garden’ built inside historic old pub near idyllic woods.

Plus, here’s the McDonald’s that’s one of the world’s most beautiful with pretty outdoor courtyard and volcano views.

The restaurant looks incredibly similar to the fast-food giant, with the same red and yellow colour scheme, and a logo that looks not unlike the iconic golden arches. But there’s one big difference.

A British couple in America were astonished when they stumbled upon a ‘vegan McDonald’s’ – and loved it so much they demanded it comes to the UK. Liam and Janine Day, known as Those Happy Days on social media, regularly share content about their global travels.

They are currently in the USA, and shared a clip about the incredible discovery they made in San Francisco, California. In the TikTok video, Janine is shown pointing at a McDonald’s before turning to point at another business across the road, which looks remarkably similar – with a few notable differences.

Speaking in the video, Liam said: “Something very weird is happening here. That’s a regular McDonald’s, but right across the street is a completely vegan one.”

The video then cuts to inside the restaurant, called Mr Charlie’s. Liam continues: “It looks exactly like a McDonald’s, with red and yellow and fast food screens everywhere, but everything here is plant-based.

“Vegan burgers, vegan chicken nuggets, vegan fries, even a vegan McFlurry. It even feels like the real McDonald’s inside.”

Showing close-ups of the food as he and Janine tuck in, Liam adds: “Can I say that the chicken nuggets were the most life-like I’ve ever had, and the burgers taste just like a McDonald’s burger. In fact, they’re better than McDonald’s burgers.”

Concluding he says: “The UK really needs a Mr. Charlie’s. In fact, every city in the world needs one of these.”

Although Mr. Charlie’s does feature a number of cheeky nods to the fast-food giant in its red and yellow colour scheme, and logo, which looks not unlike a certain iconic golden arches, it is not affiliated with McDonald’s. It currently has four branches in California, with another opening soon, as well as one in Sydney, Australia.

The menu offers a number of plant-based takes on McDonald’s food, with the Mr. Chuck looking very similar to the famous Big Mac, and Mr. FluffHead ice cream featuring the same signature swirl as a McFlurry.

In their video description Liam and Janine wrote: “We genuinely had to do a double take… There’s a real McDonald’s on one side of the road, and a fully vegan version of it on the other. Same red & yellow vibe, same fast-food menu boards… but EVERYTHING is plant-based. And honestly? The nuggets were the most realistic we’ve ever had. Like, scary good.

“The burger tasted just like the classic McDonald’s flavour too. If no one told you, you’d never know.

“UK… we are BEGGING for @mrcharlies to come over and take over the world. Would you try a fully vegan McDonald’s?”

According to vegan business website vegconomist, Mr. Charlie’s opened its first branch in 2022, and quickly became known as the ‘vegan McDonald’s’, with pop megastar Lizzo among those praising the food. Having already expanded to Australia, it reportedly plans to open branches in New Zealand and Singapore, but there is no word so far on whether it will come to the UK.

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