Fast Food Restaurants Changing Their Menu Boards

The next time you order at McDonald’s, look up at the menu boards, and you’ll get some food for thought. You’ll get the calorie count for everything on the menu.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said Stella Rawlings, of Yucca Valley. “Everybody’s counting their calories nowadays.”

The new law goes into effect Jan. 1 and affects restaurant chains with more than 20 locations statewide.

Dick Shalhoub, who owns about a dozen McDonald’s in the Coachella Valley, got a headstart on the new law. The drive-thru menus will have a new look later next year listing calories, too. A new federal law requires it.

“We will abide to the letter of the law, and let everyone make their own decision,” he said.

When asked whether he was happy with the new law, Shalhoub responded with laughter: “I’m not a politician. I can’t tell you that.”

He jokingly compared the new menu board to an Excel spreadsheet.

Many customers appreciated the new menus. But, will it make a difference?

“I’ve noticed the new look,” said Betty Davids. “[But] I did not notice what was there because we know what we want every time we come in.”

Chris Rawlings agreed. “Yeah, I was lost. I just came in, saw what I wanted and got it,” he said.

McDonald’s has provided nutritional information since the 1970s on sandwich wrappers, sandwich boxes and tray liners. The new menu boards are just another way of doing it, Shalhoub said.

“Comfort food” takes on a whole new meaning.