New 'Big Mac' restaurant in Lefkosia. Is this the REAL deal then??

sunrise


Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 274

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:19

Everyone talking about it, iv seen the 'Big Mac' restaunat myself.

Looks pretty genuine. With the big trademark yellow 'M'. But is it the real mcdonalds taste, the proper thing? Is it along the lines of what Burger 'City' have done? The real mcd's just altered a little in the name (Burger 'City' not the usual Burger King), for all the politcal rubbish.

Can anyone give me the TRUTH?? Does anyone actually know the truth.

Have we finally got a mcd's??

I for one (know i cant speak for a VERY small minority off ppl), hope we have got one the best take aways on this side of the island....



IS THIS MCDONALDS ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ?

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:21

If McDonalds is deemed to be the best take away on this side of island, God only knows what sort of rubbish the others are producing!



J

sunrise


Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 274

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:30

i just want to know if this is a genuine mcd's. I really dont care about the content of the food, all i know is its tastey!

Please, any more ppl who asnwer this, can i just get the answer the to question askd??

Iv noticed on this site, that for some ppl, that is just impossible!!



so...

is this new big mac restaurant in lefkosia the real thing???

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:33

Seems like you're going to have to go and buy a meal and try it out for yourself!

everon


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:35

yes, go there, try it, if you like it, sorted!! why does it have to be the real deal if its good x

tommy13


Joined: 29/04/2009
Posts: 979

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:37

yes ive seen it , ive heard it is with a name difference only and then ive heard its not , so sorry cant help you with concrete info .. id like to know too !! what i do know is Mr Kramer of Mcdonalds ( international business development director of mcdonalds , whom i was last in contact with a month ago , didnt mention anything about it to me !

everon


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:40

ask Ronald Mcdonald, he will have all the inside info xx

Dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 1125

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:41

So sad to be getting excited about the crap that McDonalds sell in the name of food.

Taking globalisation a step too far if the big M has arrived in TRNC.

tommy13


Joined: 29/04/2009
Posts: 979

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:45

i love good food , i love to cook , i love wholseome ingredients but i blimin' love a Mac Dees too , must admit , It may be crap from a culinary point of you , but i for one dont mind if the franchises come

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:49

Tommy...msg 6



There you go again you namedropper you ! hahahaha



Us mere mortals can only dream of the circles that you move in.

Tootie


Joined: 28/08/2008
Posts: 2037

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:52

All Md restuarants are franchise, I used to go to school with someone who has 2 and a subway franchise both in yorkshire.



So cant see why not? Md have resturants in countries you wouldn't believe!! lol



Maybe wrong, but may also not be?

tommy13


Joined: 29/04/2009
Posts: 979

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 20:54

hey cronos , flattery will get you everywhere ur too kind

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 21:22

Mcds have branches in Taiwan which is also an unrecognised state.



All Mcds would have to do is tell the GC franchise holder that his area does not cover the North, and then sell the franchise for that to somebody else.



It seems that there is a big difference between the relationship between Republic of China (Taiwan), and the Peoples Republic of China. i.e. PRC do not cause as much problem for Taiwan as the ROC does to TRNC.

Jetski


Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 584

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 21:24

Nope - it's not the real thing, and all the stuff they get or have got has come from Turkey. BUT it's all the genuine stuff..... just not directly fom McD's.



S

tommy13


Joined: 29/04/2009
Posts: 979

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 21:27

actually zcacmxi , ive been down this route , and what u say is not the case , u see when a franchise signs with someone from the south , the franchise agreement is generally with The Republic of Cyprus , which technically/legally covers the whole island , if they gave it to someone in the north the greek master franchisee could sue them , unless they got written confirmation from the greek franchise to allow them to sell North cyprus territory ,, The ones we have dont exist in the south and theyve given it directly for North Cyprus . some have done it through Turkey , here being a branch thereof .

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 21:28

So, when the GCs complain, McD's have the option to take the franchise away from the Turkish McD's (70 Million audience).



Or take the franchise away from the GCs if they moan too much!

tommy13


Joined: 29/04/2009
Posts: 979

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 21:28

hi jetski , if its the same equipment , food products , then it is the rreal thing isnt it , just different name ???

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 21:35

tommy13, the Peoples Republic of China claims that Taiwan (Republic of China) is part of its territory exactly how the ROC claims TRNC is.



However, it suits the world to not recognise Taiwan, but at the same time trade with them and give them McD franchise, allow direct flights, etc, etc.



The problem is not entirely non-recognition. It is the embargo, which we've been ineffective at countering. Taiwan is unrecognised, but has prospered as they have no embargo.



Being a large country helps. We should get Turkey behind us, and play the Turkey (70 Million) or GC (<1Million) on them. The choice is a business one. It worked for HSBC.

tommy13


Joined: 29/04/2009
Posts: 979

Message Posted:
24/05/2009 21:43

yes mate i dont disagree , im just leeting you know of my experiences , as i have signed contracts for 2 well known franchises , coming soon ....

Luckycik


Joined: 23/05/2009
Posts: 11

Message Posted:
25/05/2009 11:36

do they do mcmuffins?

tommy13


Joined: 29/04/2009
Posts: 979

Message Posted:
25/05/2009 11:49

mcmuffins , ? is that in their breakfast menu , i love those

Luckycik


Joined: 23/05/2009
Posts: 11

Message Posted:
25/05/2009 13:01

they are normally in the breakfast menu but i dont know if they do them here, doubt it... i love them too

scaric


Joined: 06/06/2009
Posts: 1

Message Posted:
06/06/2009 16:02

Hello to everyone on this forum!



I came across this forum after hearing about the presence of the trademark McDonald's golden arches and "Big Mac" registered name in North Cyprus. I would like to answer the original question posted.



The restaurant you mention in your post is trying to pass off as a McDonald's restaurant and is in no way associated with the brand. It has tried to copy the Golden Arches TM and Big Mac TM wording in flagrant breach of international copyright and trademark laws. Neither McDonald's Corporation, McDonald's Turkey or McDonald's Cyprus have any involvement with this restaurant.



It is sad to see a government so desparate to gain international recognition and respect, not uphold the very laws of a community it wants to be a part of. Openly allowing its citizens to engage in commercial piracy is not the way forward for the TRNC and is damaging to it's reputation and sincerity with the international community.

barnaclebill


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
06/06/2009 16:41

Msg 23. You pompous buffon,cant you see how frustrating it is for the people that live in the North after umpteen yrs of embargos and being the underdog (no disrespect to TC people ) that a small thing such as someone copying a Mcdonalds may give that little bit of sense of normallity.If you go South the Mcdonalds there dont say you cant have one you live in the North they gladly take your money.May I add that Turkey has for years being copying anything and everything as has Taiwan but do you have a go at them NO lets pick on the TRNC yet again.You my friend are either peeved that you never thought of it first or a sad git who enjoys twisting the knife,go get a life !!

ilovekibris


Joined: 18/05/2009
Posts: 394

Message Posted:
06/06/2009 16:46

Give him a break BB. I'm no fan of globalisation but what he says about "piracy" in the TRNC and not upholding the laws of the community is absolutely true.

barnaclebill


Joined: 12/12/2008
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
06/06/2009 17:17

Msg 25

Sorry no time for people like that

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
06/06/2009 18:38

I vaguely recall reading about this in the papers a while ago. The story was the TRNC "McDonald owner owed and ran McDonalds franchises elsewhere (Turkey I think) and basically replicated unofficially the same style of restaurant run using the same principles. This is also the case with the Burger City/ Burger King franchises.



Generally if a franchise operates in the ROC threats are made to close their operation or make life very difficult if they start up in the north. Some have got around this such as HSBC whose Turkish business was much more important than operating a retail Banking business in the South where it only has a corporate office. Gloria Jeans is one example where there are legitimate franchises on both sides although it created a major incident when the TRNC one opened in Nicosia.





Aussie

JoanneM


Joined: 24/06/2009
Posts: 266

Message Posted:
24/06/2009 21:16

so has anyone actually visited this 'big mac' restaurent yet? is it mcdonalds? the kids are missing their ' mcd's ', is this the same or should we just take them to the south?

Mr Vince


Joined: 24/07/2008
Posts: 696

Message Posted:
24/06/2009 21:36

Drove past last night; I wanted a milkshake and aburger. Still not open yet

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
24/06/2009 21:48

where is it? I will gladly try...purely in the name of research for sunrise of course ;0)

the mcdonalds in the south also does different things like a 'Greek shrimp burger' alongside the classics, I think each country adds a burger of their own maybe!

In Barcelona you could get beer at Mcdonalds (!) and there were tables out-side on the main shopping avenue for people watching & the one in Venice was the nicest one I have seen with gold columns inside! Oh there is also one on King's Road Chelsea with flat screen tvs playing music videos and red leather sofas!

Natx

mmmmmm



Joined: 19/12/2008
Posts: 8398

Message Posted:
24/06/2009 23:19

I'll bet they don't do Greek Macs .... like they do in the "rump" Roc ;)

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
24/06/2009 23:24

Aussie,



The Burger City's in the TRNC are 99% Burger King as you would find on the Turkish Mainland. All the buns, beef burgers and Chicken products arrive in Burger King marked boxes. The registered holding company is the main Turkish Mainland Franchisee. The only product sourced locally is French Fries. The Burger City ones do not meet the Burger King minimum standard. The reason for local sourced fries is that these boxes take so much space up on a lorry and so there would need to be more lorries to deliver the goods, thus increasing costs. The costs of a Burger City meal are 1.5YTL to 2YTL more than the mainland. If we need to add in fries costs would increase again. The ketchup, mayonaisse and mustard is also delivered from local supplier but is the same manufacturer, Pinar, that the mainland uses.

Deliveries are every three days using 10 ton trucks.

Jetski


Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 584

Message Posted:
24/06/2009 23:55

Msg 31........I'll bet they don't do Greek Macs .... like they do in the "rump" Roc ;)



And exactly why would anybody want a "Greek Mac" here in TRNC?

racoonchic



Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3223

Message Posted:
25/06/2009 05:04

jetski mess 33 because their nice and a little different or do you only survive on corba kebap and baklava lol

littlejohn


Joined: 09/03/2009
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
26/06/2009 01:16

What a load of sad people.

Do you really want that s**t on the north side?

You really are going to spoil what used to be a lovely place devoid of all this American rubbish.

Over development,empty buildings everywhere,topless tatooed Brits, karaoke,loud thumping music into the early hours. Soon be like the south!!

Why don't those of you who want this rubbish just go and holiday in Aya Nappa

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
26/06/2009 01:31

It is a branch of mc donald turkey,like harley davidson bike shop in kyrenia,just different name for political reasons

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
26/06/2009 01:41

Not really a filler are they two burps and you are hungry again,

Paul.

racoonchic



Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3223

Message Posted:
26/06/2009 06:46

littlejohn i agree but life goes on things change 90% of people here would welcome the big stores coming inn debinhams next and the rest of the uk style shops direct flights i say well done to mcdonalds for taking a big gamble opening up here in the outlawed north lets continue to expand and become a better a place to live after all most people go to spend their money in the south they wouldnt go if they had the choices here so must be better for the economy

waddo


Joined: 29/11/2008
Posts: 1966

Message Posted:
26/06/2009 08:36

Littlejohn,

No! We want the ability to choose, the same as every other country! Just because it is there, it doe's not mean you have to use it - much the same as a Land Rover outlet, the car's are all there but thankfully not everyone has to buy one.



I miss the Mac Breakfast and Sausage/Egg MacMuffins because it was fast, hot and the coffee was good - the rest you can keep.

Wig&Gown


Joined: 25/06/2009
Posts: 3

Message Posted:
26/06/2009 09:33

1. Most visits to the South by Turkish Cypriot families especially with small kids are for McDonalds. I myself cross the border simply to have McDonalds, why else should I cross the border?



2. There is no harm in having McDonalds or "BigMac" in the North, people should have a choice, if they wish to have unhealthy food, well, good luck to them;



3. Public International law is not worth the paper it is written on. Thanks to the EU and the larger international community, we Turkish Cypriots have come to know this too well Apart from political pressure and economic embargoes there is little you can do to enforce braches of international law. Turkish Cypriots (through no fault of their own) have been blockaded from the rest of the world for too many years, let the international community take the side of Greek Cypriots once again and punish us for having BigMacs: "Yes, I plead guilty my lord, I have had a BigMac in utter defiance of international copyright law"

hammer


Joined: 09/12/2007
Posts: 115

Message Posted:
26/06/2009 09:50

oh no macs.followed by kfc then costas, what next the very reason i love N.C is the charm of the place it is not little britain. Any brits who desires these brand shops must be missing home so much. Lets kep things in the right places and not drag them out to a jewel of a place.

racoonchic



Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3223

Message Posted:
26/06/2009 20:24

sorry got to be said now everyone complaining seems to be over 50 not of the mcd generation i suggest you try the milkshake you dont have to take your teeth out for that lol

littlejohn


Joined: 09/03/2009
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
27/06/2009 01:14

Well said hammer - these people are intent on spoiling the TRNC. They did the same in Spain.Look at Benidorm!But you can't educate S**t!!

CyprusChill


Joined: 08/05/2009
Posts: 666

Message Posted:
27/06/2009 05:26

Please refrain, from flashing lights, union flags and symbolismn, tattoo parlours and charity shops.

This is North Cyprus .. magestical mountain back drop and the most gorgeous sea. Laid back locals and the abundance of tranquility and peace.

SAFFI


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 342

Message Posted:
27/06/2009 05:41

I would not touch MC,s With a barge pole in UK !!!

Keep the TRNC free of all this s--t !!

racoonchic



Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 3223

Message Posted:
27/06/2009 06:27

first thing to do then is get rid of all the estate agents or do they not spoil the tranquility and charm and little john that was a very well educated comment you just posted did you graduate from charm school as well

TimothyCadman


Joined: 13/12/2007
Posts: 1040

Message Posted:
29/06/2009 02:13

McDonalds is not as bad as they appear, as this recent story explains.......

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/5/20090624/tuk-big-mac-healthier-than-some-shop-sal-45dbed5.html

littlejohn


Joined: 09/03/2009
Posts: 316

Message Posted:
30/06/2009 01:15

The trouble with McDs is not just the food but the underpaid staff, working conditions and the forests which are cleared to provide grazing for the cattle which provide the beef.

The estate agents mentioned in message46 by mostly retired are a result of the demand for property by ex pats and another example of how the island is being spoilt. And when the damage is done we might as well all go to Benidorm for our hols!!! I wish some of you would.

cypriot-usa


Joined: 09/08/2009
Posts: 4

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 14:40

HI everyone, I live in California-USA and I was visiting my family in cyprus for few weeks. I had a chance to go Big MAC before I left. since most of you asking the same question here: "Is BIG MAC a real Mc Donald?"

it taste the same to me. I always buy burger from Mc Donalds here (CA) and i did not see any diffrence at Big Mac in Nicosia. It's real and it's same.Nothing difference. I told big mac management that there was no difference when I was there. And they sowed me the original certificate of mc donald which they authorize them for business, so feel free to go and enjoy there burger. IT IS A REAL DEAL. Good for TRNC .

cypriot-usa


Joined: 09/08/2009
Posts: 4

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 14:50

Hi everyone,



I live in California-USA and I was visiting my family in cyprus for few weeks and i have had a chance to visit Big Mac restaturant before i left. I can honestly tell all of you that Big mac is as same as Mc Donald in here.I did not see any difference in their menu.All are the same.Great news for TRNC.Big Mac is a real deal. It is a real Mc Donald guys.Enjoy the burgers.

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 15:55

TC



Sorry didn't see your post 32 on Burger City /King until now. Its interesting I didn't realise they went so far in getting the same ingredients as Burger King having only been there once.



Aussie

horselover


Joined: 18/01/2009
Posts: 129

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 18:26

makes you wonder where the dead cows come from that make up the burgers. one way to get rid of the dog problem...erm...

Geejay


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 475

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 20:15

Let me see now....you come all the way to this lovely island with wonderful warm weather, in the beautiful Mediterranean to be with great and friendly people who provide terrific local food....and all you want is a McDonalds BURGER ?

I don't believe it !

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 20:49

Its not the real deal McD wouldnt give a license here

cypriot-usa


Joined: 09/08/2009
Posts: 4

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 21:03

Geejay,



LOL, I do come cyprus eery summer. And beleive me I did eat all the other terrific local food when i was there..But, as like all of you, when I heart about Big Mac, I jwas just curious to find out if it was real. by the way , management of Bic Mac also mentioned that they will add Mac Coffee to their menu very soon .which mc coffee just begun to be popular in Here.

cypriot-usa


Joined: 09/08/2009
Posts: 4

Message Posted:
09/08/2009 21:07

Lilli, why dont you go and see with your own eyes.

ricky


Joined: 26/01/2009
Posts: 294

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 16:24

Mc Do is very good in quality and that all over the world.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
11/08/2009 16:35

Hicyprususa. I will do. We looked into the franchise and were told it couldnt happen here. Same probs burgerking encountered. They had to change the name. If it is the real deal than I am so happy that people wont have to travel south now for one.Whoever has got it will be worth a fortune.

frontalman



Joined: 28/02/2008
Posts: 499

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 09:40

Mess 31



Bet they're not serving 'Black Macs' either.

Pixie


Joined: 18/03/2009
Posts: 489

Message Posted:
12/08/2009 11:34

we went last week and it tastes exactly the same as mcdonalds in Turkey. Only problem is that the service is very slow due to inexperience of staff. Im sure it will improve.

Pixie


Joined: 18/03/2009
Posts: 489

Message Posted:
13/01/2010 13:29

Does anyone have the number for this place? I need a home delivery. They distributed leaflets a while ago.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
13/01/2010 18:15

i have been told by many reliable sources that its not the real deal. I have not been but spoken to many cyprioyt friends who have ana all agrre msdonalds will not offer a franchise here

SuperMaids



Joined: 29/10/2009
Posts: 196

Message Posted:
13/01/2010 18:55

tommy 13 which 2 businesses are you opening soon?

Whistler


Joined: 28/07/2008
Posts: 1332

Message Posted:
13/01/2010 19:17

Believe me, it is NOT the real deal. Went last week after we`d been to pick up our temporary residencies.

They dont have a breakfast menu at all. The coffee was nescafe. The burgers were tasteless. All I can say it is clean and it filled a gap after the frustrations of immigration. (We had no breakfast before we left home)

Nice people too, but will not rush back there.

tommy13


Joined: 29/04/2009
Posts: 979

Message Posted:
13/01/2010 19:22

Hi supermaids , still a state secret , why do u ask ?

anyways im a little behind schedule but the first of the new businesses is opening in famagusta , id say another 7 or so weeks left till grand opening

tommy13


Joined: 29/04/2009
Posts: 979

Message Posted:
13/01/2010 19:25

for the record Big Mac is a copy of the 'real thing' , not a bad attempt in my view as ive eaten there and would eat again .

SuperMaids



Joined: 29/10/2009
Posts: 196

Message Posted:
14/01/2010 08:30

i just wondered tommy 13 and why in famagusta hehe im in kyrenia i hope its Nandossssssss i will make a trip to famagusta for that.