Zydeco is the Way to Go for McD’s
By George Anderson
McDonald’s is opening a new restaurant in New Orleans, according to The
Associated Press. The menu, however, will not include Big Macs.
Chef Mac’s, a Cajun-style restaurant with an interior which includes chandeliers
and leather couches, will feature a menu including po’ boys, muffulettas, barbecue
chicken, and praline cheesecake.
This is the second such unit opened by McDonald’s. The original Chef Mac’s
was opened in Orlando.
McDonald’s director of operations, Bill Garrett, describes Chef Mac’s as “upscale,
quick gourmet casual.”
The restaurant chain is banking on authenticity to succeed. It plans to create
meals that will satisfy discerning locals and not simply out-of-town visitors.
McDonald’s has hired a Culinary Institute of America graduate, Walter Grote,
as the executive chef for Chef Mac’s. Mr. Grote, a New York native, worked five
years in a Cajun restaurant in Houma.
Moderator’s Comment: What are your thoughts on the
Chef Mac’s restaurant concept and McDonald’s decision to test it in New Orleans?
We could never envision passing Mother’s or one of the
Brennan’s eateries to eat at a Chef Mac’s in New Orleans. That said, there is
no Mother’s in New Jersey. If there were, we’d give it a try.
[George
Anderson – Moderator]