Get All Access for $5/mo

Local McDonald's Restaurants Add Free Web Access To Their Menus <b></b>

San Francisco-Three McDonald's restaurants in SanFrancisco have installed >STREETSPACE Web Stations, allowingtheir customers to "walk up to the Web" for free. Bytouching the screen of the stylishly designed Web Stations,customers will have free access to a wide variety of popular Websites and online services, including ABCNEWS.com, MSN HotMail, CitySearch, FOXSports.com, Kozmo.com, Tickets.com, and SFGate.com forSan Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders content.

"Adding to the >STREETSPACE Web Stations is another wayfor us to offer our customers an enhanced restaurantexperience," says Bob Mendes, a San Francisco-basedMcDonald's restaurant franchisee. "In addition to givingour customers free access to popular Internet content, it providesus with a great opportunity to connect with our customers in a newway."

Recognizing the increasing need to build a strong presenceonline, many retailers are calling on >STREETSPACE to help themleverage their physical space to introduce their Web sites tocustomers. The Web Stations at McDonald's will prominentlydisplay a McDonald's-branded Web site with links to contestsand promotions, customer feedback, food facts, online jobapplications, McDonald's merchandise and information on RonaldMcDonald House Charities. Making these features available willenable these McDonald's locations to create a two-way dialoguewith their customers and provide a fun and enjoyable experience inthe restaurant.

"We have always considered McDonald's the perfect venuefor our Web Stations," says >STREETSPACE founder TomMathai. "McDonald's has over 27,000 restaurants around theworld, which are visited by 43 million customers every day. Most ofthem use the Internet. Our goal is to someday provide free e-mailand Web-based content to all 43 million of those McDonald'scustomers. So far, the pilot test in the San Francisco area hasbeen a big hit."

Users do not have to pay to use them. To ensure customers do nothave to wait long to use a Web Station, there is a 15-minute timelimit for each session. Most users stay on a Web Station for aboutfive minutes, quickly checking their e-mail, news summaries orsports scores, or browsing shopping sites.

Since the Web Stations run on a private broadband network,powered by high-speed DSL, users are able to view entertaining,rich media content, including music videos, movie trailers,cartoons and up-to-the-minute news clips. Throughout the ongoingpresidential election controversy, McDonald's customers havebeen able to check in for up-to-the-minute news.-PRNewswire

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.

Business News

Y Combinator Helped Launch Reddit, Airbnb and Dropbox. Here's What I Learned From Its Free Startup School.

The famed startup accelerator offers a free course on building a business — and answers five pressing questions for founders.