McDonalds is a restaurant?

I know they say "quick-service", but still...... (Some would argue
that McDonald's doesn't serve their er..."food" that quickly.)

NEW YORK - The National Hockey League (NHL) today announced that
McDonald's USA has been named the League's official quick-service
restaurant (QSR) in the United States. McDonald's is also the NHL's
official QSR in Canada, and the company already has local
relationships with 14 NHL teams.

Beginning with the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic™ 2009, and the NHL®
All-Star Game, McDonald's will create meaningful brand integrations at
the League's major events throughout 2009. As part of the agreement,
McDonald's also has purchased advertising on NHL media (NHL Network
and NHL.com) and League rights-holders (NBC and Versus). Through its
ongoing support of Ronald McDonald House Charities®, McDonald's is
adding a charitable component to its involvement, with the NHL
supporting Ronald McDonald House ™ and the charity's other core
programs.

"McDonald's is one of the world's most iconic brands, and we are very
pleased to be working with the company in both the US and Canada,"
said Keith Wachtel, NHL Senior Vice President of Corporate Sales and
Marketing. "The NHL's marquee events and media properties are where
millions of hockey fans come together to celebrate the game. We are
thrilled to have a brand such as McDonald's recognize the value of
activating with the NHL and engaging with the most avid and passionate
fan base in sports."

As part of its activation at the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic 2009,
McDonald's will give away a limited amount of $5 McCafé-themed Arch
Cards to fans seated in a select section of the ballpark during NHL
Winter Classic Live programming at intermission. In addition, the NHL,
through its NHL Foundation, will donate $200 (up to $10,000) to Ronald
McDonald House Charities for every shot on goal during the game
between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings which airs at 1
p.m. ET on NBC on New Year's Day. Honda, the official vehicle of the
NHL, will also donate a 2009 Honda Pilot to a Ronald McDonald House in
the city of the winning team.

"Working with the National Hockey League is a natural fit for our
brand," said John Lewicki, Director of Sports & Alliances, McDonald's
USA. "McDonald's has a long tradition of aligning with relevant sports
and entertainment properties our customers enjoy. Through this new
relationship, we're excited to bring fresh and unique extensions to
hockey fans everywhere."

McDonald's also will be part of the 2009 NHL All-Star Game in Montreal
and the Honda NHL SuperSkills® Competition, where it will serve as
presenting sponsor of the shooting accuracy contest. In addition,
McDonald's has secured rights as the Official QSR of USA Hockey and
has a partnership with Hockey Canada.

On Dec 30, 1:32 pm, The Viceroy of Inane Perspectives
wrote:
> I know they say "quick-service", but still......  (Some would argue
> that McDonald's doesn't serve their er..."food" that quickly.)
>
> NEW YORK - The National Hockey League (NHL) today announced that
> McDonald's USA has been named the League's official quick-service
> restaurant (QSR) in the United States. McDonald's is also the NHL's
> official QSR in Canada, and the company already has local
> relationships with 14 NHL teams.
>
> Beginning with the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic™ 2009, and the NHL®
> All-Star Game, McDonald's will create meaningful brand integrations at
> the League's major events throughout 2009. As part of the agreement,
> McDonald's also has purchased advertising on NHL media (NHL Network
> and NHL.com) and League rights-holders (NBC and Versus). Through its
> ongoing support of Ronald McDonald House Charities®, McDonald's is
> adding a charitable component to its involvement, with the NHL
> supporting Ronald McDonald House ™ and the charity's other core
> programs.
>
> "McDonald's is one of the world's most iconic brands, and we are very
> pleased to be working with the company in both the US and Canada,"
> said Keith Wachtel, NHL Senior Vice President of Corporate Sales and
> Marketing. "The NHL's marquee events and media properties are where
> millions of hockey fans come together to celebrate the game. We are
> thrilled to have a brand such as McDonald's recognize the value of
> activating with the NHL and engaging with the most avid and passionate
> fan base in sports."
>
> As part of its activation at the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic 2009,
> McDonald's will give away a limited amount of $5 McCafé-themed Arch
> Cards to fans seated in a select section of the ballpark during NHL
> Winter Classic Live programming at intermission. In addition, the NHL,
> through its NHL Foundation, will donate $200 (up to $10,000) to Ronald
> McDonald House Charities for every shot on goal during the game
> between the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings which airs at 1
> p.m. ET on NBC on New Year's Day. Honda, the official vehicle of the
> NHL, will also donate a 2009 Honda Pilot to a Ronald McDonald House in
> the city of the winning team.
>
> "Working with the National Hockey League is a natural fit for our
> brand," said John Lewicki, Director of Sports & Alliances, McDonald's
> USA. "McDonald's has a long tradition of aligning with relevant sports
> and entertainment properties our customers enjoy. Through this new
> relationship, we're excited to bring fresh and unique extensions to
> hockey fans everywhere."
>
> McDonald's also will be part of the 2009 NHL All-Star Game in Montreal
> and the Honda NHL SuperSkills® Competition, where it will serve as
> presenting sponsor of the shooting accuracy contest. In addition,
> McDonald's has secured rights as the Official QSR of USA Hockey and
> has a partnership with Hockey Canada.


Keith Tkachuk and Kyle Wellwood are going to be very, very angry if
they don't get any coupons for free Big Macs*.

Signed,
R.J.

* Because they're fat.