If the US is the number one market for McDonald’s, who comes second? France, yes France! Here, where junk food is called ‘malbouffe’. There are now 1,380 franchises in France and 30 new ones open each year. It had a difficult start because it had to persuade ‘the French to eat with their hands’. Using locally grown ingredients and providing easy access for young people into the job market has helped its popularity. McCafés serve French macaroons, croissants, pain au chocolat and good, reasonably priced, coffee. Demonstrators recently protested because their town council had barred the construction of a McDonald’s! They have become so popular! Subway, Buffalo Grill, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Quick, the French/Belgian version of McDonald’s are also doing well. You will constantly hear that French people despise fast food, but take that with a pinch of salt!