McDonalds Franchisees Not Lovin' Cardi B Promotion

McDonald’s Corp.’s celebrity-sponsored meals, which have generated strong sales for the chain, are drawing criticism from franchisees who say some of the artists don’t reflect the company’s values.

Some U.S. McDonald’s restaurant owners have raised concerns over the chain’s collaborations with celebrities including rappers Cardi B and Offset, according to franchisees and email messages to other owners and the company that were reviewed by The Wall Street Journal. Some owners said a number of McDonald’s locations have declined to promote the current Cardi B and Offset meal, because of concerns about being associated with the artists.

In messages sent to the U.S. division in recent weeks, several McDonald’s franchisees said that the artists’ lyrics and lifestyles aren’t aligned with the company’s brand. Some owners wrote that the chosen celebrities could erode McDonald’s family-friendly image, and urged other franchisees to remove advertising and merchandise associated with the Cardi B and Offset meal in their stores.

It couldn’t be determined how many of McDonald’s more than 1,000 franchise owners were declining to promote the meal, or agreed that they were unsuitable for the brand. Franchisees raising concerns over the meals included some operating restaurants in Southeastern and mid-Atlantic states, according to the messages reviewed by the Journal.

It couldn’t be determined how many of McDonald’s more than 1,000 franchise owners were declining to promote the meal, or agreed that they were unsuitable for the brand. Franchisees raising concerns over the meals included some operating restaurants in Southeastern and mid-Atlantic states, according to the messages reviewed by the Journal.

McDonald’s said Tuesday that the chain has received widespread support and excitement from owners and their restaurant employees regarding the Cardi B and Offset meal. The company said the couple’s promotion was meant to focus on love and celebrating special moments.