100-456: Pixel Chix was a handheld life simulation game released in 2005 by Mattel that was aimed at young children. The game was set in a plastic dollhouse and was similar to Tamagotchi in that they have a LCD screen and control buttons, although they are larger. The game is centered around interacting with a digital girl and doing activities with her, which includes feeding her, playing games, dressing her up, going out, sending her to bed and more. As
200-591: A glitter house that were only released in Europe. Also available is the Pixel Chix Love 2 Shop mall, where the Pixel Chix can work, shop , play games, and take breaks. There are two different malls, a boutique / food court , and a pet shop / salon . Each mall has an LCD flip screen, allowing the Pixel Chix girl to change stores. They are able to connect to the houses, cars, and other malls. Another available accessory
300-486: A synth and tweak sounds with special effects. On the river Elbe in Hamburg, Germany, is the world's only "McBoat," a float-through service (similar to drive-through ) for people on the river. In 2006, McDonald's introduced its "Forever Young" brand by redesigning all of its restaurants, the first significant redesign since the 1970s. It resembles a coffee shop, with wooden tables, faux-leather chairs, and muted colors;
400-564: A "Walk-Thru" service in place of Drive-Thru. McCafé is a café -style accompaniment to McDonald's restaurants. The concept was created by McDonald's Australia, starting with Melbourne in 1993. From 2015 to 2016, McDonald's tried a more flexible burger service and restaurant concept based on other restaurants such as Shake Shack and Grill'd . It was rolled out for the first time in Australia in early 2015 and expanded to China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Arabia, and New Zealand, with ongoing trials in
500-747: A $ 2.3 million fine to the Consumer Products Safety Commission for marketing, importing and selling non-compliant toys. Mattel was noted for its crisis response by several newspaper publications, including PRWeek , the Los Angeles Times , Fortune and Business Management. On June 11, 2010, Mattel launched Monster High , a fashion doll line featuring the teenage children of famous and well-known monsters like Dracula , Frankenstein , Cleopatra , Gorgon , Werewolf , and The Mummy . It led to popularity and cult following success which Mattel translated into two spin-offs, each with
600-518: A chance to gain the license given their work on Star Wars, which led to a Descendants license. Disney Consumer Products also made an attempt to evolve the brand from "damsels" to "heroines." In September 2014, Disney announced Hasbro as the licensed doll maker for the Disney Princess line starting on January 1, 2016. Mattel again became the licensed doll maker, instead of Hasbro, in January 2022 and
700-428: A company-wide community service initiative that focuses on working with nonprofits and organizations around the world to give children a day focused on the power of play. While formerly associated with content productions, as of 2020, Mattel Creations is now an e-commerce and content platform of Mattel, Inc. In April 2020, the company released a Thomas & Friends special titled “The Royal Engine” to celebrate
800-571: A different focus than Monster High; Ever After High in 2013 and Enchantimals four years later. In 2011, Hot Wheels set a new world-record for a jump made by a four-wheeled vehicle at the 100th anniversary of the Indy 500. The 332 feet jump broke the previous 301 feet record set in 2009. In early 2010, HIT Entertainment licensed Thomas & Friends to Mattel for toys. Mattel then agreed to purchase HIT Entertainment from Apax Partners on October 24, 2011, for $ 680 million, excluding its share of
900-428: A doll from scratch and customize everything including facial features, hair, accessories and outfits, and the doll’s favorite places and hobbies. On April 19, 2018, Mattel named former Maker Studios CEO Ynon Kreiz as chairman and the replacement CEO for outgoing CEO Georgiardis who moved on to head Ancestry.com , effective from April 26, 2018. Two months later, the company laid off 2,200 employees partially due to
1000-659: A downloadable desktop buddy, as well as secret codes and a movie maker similar to that of Zimmer Twins . The website closed in 2014 along with the My Scene website. Mattel Mattel, Inc. ( / m ə ˈ t ɛ l / mə- TEL ) is an American multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment company founded in Los Angeles by Harold Matson and the husband-and-wife duo of Ruth and Elliot Handler in January 1945 and headquartered in El Segundo, California . Mattel has
1100-480: A gumby-like central character named Major Matt Mason . On May 18, 1968, Hot Wheels was released to the market. Hot Wheels was invented by a team of Mattel inventors, which included a rocket scientist and a car designer. That year also saw another doll release, this time, Christie, Barbie's friend and the first black doll, which in the following years and decades would spawn an endless line of Barbie-themed and branded family and friends . In 1969, Mattel changed
SECTION 10
#17328592486281200-637: A location in Phoenix, Arizona. In 1955, Ray Kroc , a businessman, joined the company as a franchise agent and, in 1961, bought out the McDonald brothers. Previously headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois , it moved to nearby Chicago in June 2018. McDonald's is also a real estate company through its ownership of around 70% of restaurant buildings and 45% of the underlying land (which it leases to its franchisees). McDonald's
1300-442: A partnership with Google Cardboard. On January 21, 2016, Mattel acquired Fuhu, makers of Nabi tablets and other technology-driven hardware, in a bankruptcy proceeding for a sum worth $ 21 million. On March 30, 2016, Mattel formed a "senior head" division named Mattel Creations to centralize its multi-platform content output. In the process, the production teams and operations of Mattel Playground Productions, HIT Entertainment and
1400-474: A presence in 35 countries and territories; its products are sold in more than 150 countries. It is the world's second largest toy maker in terms of revenue, after The Lego Group . Two of its historic and most valuable brands, Barbie and Hot Wheels , were respectively named the top global toy property and the top-selling global toy of the year for 2020 and 2021 by The NPD Group , a global information research company. Businessman Harold "Matt" Matson and
1500-507: A princess-themed Barbie line in 2010. Barbie sales began plummeting in 2012, thus removing focus from the Disney Princess line. Mattel had only sold Cinderella , Ariel , Belle and the two Frozen princesses ( Anna and Elsa ) around its last year of the Disney license in early 2016. With these competing lines and an expiration of the brand license at the end of 2015, Disney gave Hasbro
1600-601: A reboot of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, including new toy lines and brand extensions, a new comic book series and a Netflix series. In October 2019, Mattel released Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, which included a full line of die-cast vehicles, and a national live-event tour, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live. The company also released a line of gender-neutral dolls called the “Creatable World” Mattel Children’s Foundation announced and organized its second annual "Global Day of Play",
1700-560: A red Duster, were reproduced as Hot Wheels toys. In May 1970, Mattel formed a joint venture film production company " Radnitz/Mattel Productions " with producer Robert B. Radnitz , which would kickstart Mattel's venture into full-time entertainment to accompany its most famed toy TV commercials, and later entered a multimillion-dollar partnership with Mehra Entertainment, whose CEO, Dr. Nishpeksh Padmamohan Mehra and Nishchal Shome, are one of Mattel's Inc.'s main directors for Barbie (film series) . The card game Uno (now stylized as UNO )
1800-646: A seasonal basis, McDonald's offers the McRib sandwich. Some speculate the seasonality of the McRib adds to its appeal. During March of each year, McDonald's offers a Shamrock Shake to honor Saint Patrick's Day . In addition, the chain also sells some items within the United States on a regional basis; for example, the Hatch Green Chile Double Cheeseburger, which is topped with New Mexico green chile ,
1900-504: A shopping mall. Other McDonald's are located in Walmart stores. McStop is a location targeted at truckers and travelers who may have services found at truck stops . In Sweden, Happy Meal boxes can be used as goggles, with the game Slope Stars . In the Netherlands, McDonald's has introduced McTrax that doubles as a recording studio; it reacts to touch. They can create their own beats with
2000-631: A small amount of complex carbs to aid in satiety more quickly. There are over 36,000 McDonald's restaurants globally. Over a third of these (14,146 restaurants) are in the United States alone. The second highest number is in Japan, with 2,975 restaurants, followed by China, with 2,700. These three countries make up the majority of global McDonald's stores. In the United States, most standalone McDonald's restaurants offer both counter service and drive-through service, with indoor and sometimes outdoor seating. Drive-Thru, Auto-Mac, Pay and Drive, or "McDrive" as it
2100-524: A symbol of globalization and the spread of the American way of life . Its prominence has made it a frequent topic of public debates about obesity , corporate ethics , and consumer responsibility . McDonald's predominantly sells hamburgers , various types of chicken , chicken sandwiches , French fries , soft drinks, shakes , breakfast items, and desserts. In most markets, McDonald's offers salads and vegetarian items, wraps and other localized fare. On
SECTION 20
#17328592486282200-497: A takeover offer for Mattel, with Hasbro worth about $ 11 billion at the time and Mattel, $ 5 billion. The latter rejected the offer less than a week later, according to Reuters . On January 29, 2018, Mattel and Chinese internet technology and video game company NetEase formed a joint venture mobile publishing and development studio, Mattel163 , aimed at creating apps based on the former's key brands. That same year, American Girl released “Create Your Own,” allowing kids to create
2300-559: Is accused of paying less with arbitrary schedule adjustments and pay delays. McDonald's former CEO, Steve Easterbrook , earned an annual salary of $ 1,100,000. In September 2017, two British McDonald's stores agreed to a strike over zero-hours contracts for staff. Picket lines were formed around the two stores in Crayford and Cambridge . The strike was supported by then Leader of the Opposition Jeremy Corbyn . Workers at
2400-511: Is customized to reflect consumer tastes in their respective countries. Restaurants in several countries, particularly in Asia, serve soup. This local deviation from the standard menu is a characteristic for which the chain is particularly known and one which is employed either to abide by regional food taboos (such as the religious prohibition of beef consumption in India) or to make available foods with which
2500-550: Is known in many countries, often has separate stations for placing, paying for, and picking up orders while the customer remains in their vehicle; it was first introduced in Sierra Vista , Arizona in 1975, following the lead of other fast-food chains. The first such restaurant in Britain opened at Fallowfield , Manchester, in 1986. In 1994, McDonald's attempted Hearth Express, a prototype specializing in homestyle takeout meals. Among
2600-458: Is only available in the southwestern state of New Mexico . Products are offered as either "dine-in" (where the customer opts to eat in the restaurant) or "take-out" (where the customer opts to take the food off the premises). "Dine-in" meals are provided on a plastic tray with a paper insert on the floor of the tray. "Take-out" meals are usually delivered with the contents enclosed in a distinctive McDonald's-branded brown paper bag. In both cases,
2700-423: Is the world's largest fast food restaurant chain by number of locations , serving over 69 million customers daily in over 100 countries in more than 40,000 outlets as of 2021. McDonald's is best known for its hamburgers, cheeseburgers and french fries , although their menu also includes other items like chicken, fish, fruit, and salads. Their bestselling licensed item is their french fries, followed by
2800-417: Is the Pixel Chix two-story house. It is almost the exact replica of the original Pixel Chix except that it has an upstairs bedroom. There, the Pixel Chix can put on makeup at the vanity, go to the bathroom, and much more. They come in dark and light pink and are connectable to the cars, malls, and other houses. Here, no matter how long she is neglected, the Pixel Chix girl remains happy in the player's house with
2900-435: Is voiced by Katherine Von Till. Each house includes a lounge , kitchen and dining area, and steps leading upstairs. The first line of houses includes a cottage, mansion and loft, and a different girl inhabits each. The 2-Story House variant allows the player to view and access the second story, and only includes a cottage and loft. Each house also comes in different colors including blue, pink and yellow. A unique purple loft
3000-573: The American Girl brand) and Swindon , England -based toymaker Bluebird Toys (along with its most prized property, Polly Pocket ). In the same year, the first American Girl retail store opened for business in Chicago . In 1997, the Fisher-Price Little People toys underwent a redesign to look more like real kids with different skin colors, added arms and hands, and greater detail on
3100-570: The American Girl content creation team in Middleton, Wisconsin were absorbed into Creations the following day. On July 19, 2016, NBCUniversal announced Mattel's license acquisition to produce toys based on the Jurassic Park franchise after Hasbro's rights expired in 2017. Former Google executive, Margo Georgiadis , was announced as company CEO on 17 January 2017. On November 10, 2017 The Wall Street Journal reported that Hasbro had made
Pixel Chix - Misplaced Pages Continue
3200-460: The Big Mac . The McDonald's Corporation revenues come from the rent, royalties , and fees paid by the franchisees, as well as sales in company-operated restaurants. McDonald's is the world's second-largest private employer with 1.7 million employees (behind Walmart with 2.3 million employees), the majority of whom work in the restaurant's franchises. McDonald's has been subject to criticism over
3300-610: The COVID-19 pandemic . McDonald%27s McDonald's Corporation , doing business as McDonald's , is an American multinational fast food chain , founded in 1940 as a restaurant operated by Richard and Maurice McDonald , in San Bernardino, California , United States. They rechristened their business as a hamburger stand and later turned the company into a franchise , with the Golden Arches logo being introduced in 1953 at
3400-470: The Georgie Pie fast food chain it bought out in 1996. In Greece, the signature hamburger, Big Mac, is changed by adding Tzatziki sauce and packaging in a pita. In the United States and Canada, after limited trials on a regional basis, McDonald's began offering in 2015 and 2017, respectively, a partial breakfast menu during all hours its restaurants were open. All-day breakfast was phased out from menus at
3500-517: The Mattel Creations and the "Mattel, Inc. – Toymakers" marketing brands to just Mattel and launched the "red sun" logo with the Mattel wordmark in all capitals for better identity. In 1970, Hot Wheels forged a sponsorship agreement with drag racing drivers Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen . In addition to other marketing measures, the two racers’ cars, a yellow Barracuda and
3600-725: The PBS Kids Sprout channel (now Universal Kids), which would be completed on February 1, 2012 for £680m, and be managed under Mattel's Fisher-Price unit. In 2012, Mattel introduced a doll, Ella, to the Barbie line. The doll is bald and was distributed directly through hospitals to children experiencing hair loss due to cancer and other diseases. On October 16, 2013, with reports of high profitability, Mattel launched an in-house film studio, Mattel Playground Productions , through which it produces original films, TV shows, Web series, live events, and games. Fortune Magazine named Mattel one of
3700-616: The Astronaut Barbie, the first of many space-themed iterations of the doll, was introduced. In 1965, the company built on its success with the Chatty Cathy doll to introduce the See 'n Say talking toy, spawning a line of products. Barbie traveled to the Moon four years before Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin . In 1967, Mattel released a toy astronaut with space vehicles and a Moon base for boys, with
3800-546: The Barbie trademark and turned her into a sex object, referring to her as a "blonde bimbo ". The lawsuit was rejected two years later. In 2000, Mattel signed a deal with Warner Bros. to become the master licensee for Harry Potter branded toys. It was extended in 2002; Mattel became the master licensee for Superman , Batman , Wonder Woman , the Flash , Justice League and Looney Tunes toys for all markets except Asia. In 2001,
3900-458: The Internet of women living in an all-female college and fashionable poses, beginning with a house, then mate's connection and following with cars and babysitting. A number of Pixel Chix accessories have been created including the "Road Trippin' Cars" where one can go to the mall, go to the beach, or do many other things. The cars come in multiple colors. There are also metallic Road Trippin' Cars and
4000-458: The McDonald's franchise at Saint-Barthélémy, Marseille , occupied the restaurant in protest against its planned closure. Employing 77 people, the restaurant is the second-biggest private sector employer in Saint-Barthélémy, which has an unemployment rate of 30 percent. Lawyers for Kamel Guemari, a shop steward at the franchise, claimed an attempt was made to kill him when a car drove at him in
4100-507: The McResource website amidst negative publicity and criticism. McDonald's plans to continue an internal telephone help line through which its employees can obtain advice on work and life problems. The Roosevelt Institute , a liberal think tank , accuses some McDonald's restaurants of actually paying less than the minimum wage to entry positions due to "rampant" wage theft . In South Korea, McDonald's pays part-time employees $ 5.50 an hour and
Pixel Chix - Misplaced Pages Continue
4200-624: The Roomies house. There is a Pixel Chix TV, which comes with a remote control to switch channels and also unlock channels. The last Pixel Chix product to be released was the "Fab Life City" where the Pixel Chix girl can go to the bank, mall and amusement park. There is also a piggy bank which can hold coins. McDonald's Happy Meal toys based on the line were released in 2008 in several countries, including Portugal, France, Australia and New Zealand. The toys have an LCD screen display of various sizes, and are powered by four AAA alkaline batteries, while
4300-528: The U.S. legal limit of .06% lead by weight. Other toys were recalled because their strong, detachable magnets could endanger children. Mattel re-wrote its policy on magnets, finally issuing a recall in August 2007. The recall included 7.1 million Polly Pocket toys produced before November 2006, 600,000 Barbie and Tanner Playsets, 1 million Doggie Daycare , Shonen Jump 's One Piece and thousands of Batman Manga toys due to exposed magnets . In 2009, Mattel paid
4400-603: The U.S., including the hamburger, cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, McDouble, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, double Quarter Pounder with Cheese and the Big Mac. Nevertheless, the pickles will still be made with an artificial preservative, although customers can choose to opt out of getting pickles with their burgers. In November 2020, McDonald's announced McPlant, a plant-based burger, along with plans to develop additional meat alternative menu items that extend to chicken substitutes and breakfast sandwiches. This announcement came after
4500-662: The US market. In dedicated "Create Your Taste" (CYT) kiosks, customers could choose all ingredients, including the type of bun and meat, along with optional extras. CYT food was served to the table on wooden boards, fries in wire baskets, and salads in china bowls with metal cutlery at a higher price. In November 2016, Create Your Taste was replaced by a "Signature Crafted Recipes" program designed to be more efficient and less expensive. McDonald's playgrounds are called PlayPlaces. Some McDonald's in suburban areas and certain cities feature large indoor or outdoor playgrounds . The first PlayPlace with
4600-562: The banishing of Elliot and Ruth Handler from the company they had founded. Arthur S. Spear, then a Mattel vice president, took control of the company in 1975 and returned the company to profitability in two years. In 1978, the Mattel Children's Foundation was founded. Ruth Handler sold her stock in 1980 and finally let loose of the company she co-founded. Mattel debuted its Electronics line in 1977 with an all-electronic handheld game. Its success led to its expansion with game consoles then
4700-501: The cars use only 3 AAA batteries. Since they were distributed in several countries, the voices of the characters were translated depending on where they were sold, being printed on the motherboard what language is programmed onto the ROM of the machine. There was an official website of Pixel Chix on Everythinggirl.com. There were games, such as "Monster Baby" and four mini-games which could be unlocked, videos of TV commercials, T-shirt graphics,
4800-400: The characters of Frozen were part of the line. The latest collection of dolls was available for purchase in January 2023. In January 2015, board member Christopher Sinclair replaced CEO Bryan Stockton, following with 2/3 of senior executives resigning or receiving lay off. The following month, an upgraded View-Master to provide a virtual reality viewing experience was announced through
4900-471: The circus (and related companies) in 1982 for $ 22.8 million. In the early 1980s, Mattel produced video game systems , under its own brands and under license from Nintendo . In 1985, the company launched the Barbie “We Girls Can Do Anything” TV advertising campaign to encourage girls to believe in themselves. They also released the CEO / Day-to-Night Barbie to celebrate women becoming CEOs. In 1986, Barbie joined
5000-510: The company's worldwide reach. The sale cost Kroc $ 2.7 million, a huge sum during that time. The San Bernardino restaurant was eventually torn down in 1971, and the site was sold to the Juan Pollo chain in 1998. This area serves as headquarters for the Juan Pollo chain, and a McDonald's and Route 66 museum. With the expansion of McDonald's into many international markets, the company has become
5100-564: The end of 2024 as a test. The outlets will have a smaller real-estate footprint than regular McDonald's restaurants and are focused on selling coffee and other drinks to afternoon customers. The name for the new brand comes from CosMc, a McDonaldland mascot that appeared in advertisements in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In October 2024, an E. coli outbreak occurred associated with contaminated Quarter Pounder burgers from McDonald's. As of October 30, one person died, 27 were hospitalized, and 90 were sickened across 13 US states. Since
SECTION 50
#17328592486285200-632: The exclusive rights to sell dolls, stuffed characters and preschool toys based on Disney characters. On January 31, 1988, Mattel shut down its operations in the Philippines and shifted the distribution and sales of Mattel-branded toys and games to Richprime Global, Inc. (formerly Richwell Trading Corporation). Mattel returned to working with Disney the following year. In 1991, Mattel moved its headquarters from Hawthorne to its current El Segundo site, in Los Angeles County . In 1992, Mattel created
5300-558: The face, hair, and clothes. Also that year, Mattel acquired View-Master , and Hot Wheels partnered with NASCAR drivers Kyle Petty and Jack Baldwin leading to the production of the first NASCAR-themed vehicles. In 1998, Mattel donated $ 25 million to help rebuild UCLA’s children’s hospital, which was later renamed the UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital . Barbie was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame that year and
5400-406: The factory was originally part of Fisher-Price outsourcing production to China . A chain of events followed that led to its distribution of millions of hazardous toys, including ones contaminated with lead. On August 14, 2007, Mattel recalled over 18 million products, with Louise Story of The New York Times in close coverage. Many of the products had surface coatings that contained more than
5500-631: The familiar crawl-tube design with ball pits and slides was introduced in 1987 in the US, with many more being constructed soon after. McDonald's Next uses open-concept design and offers "Create Your Taste" digital ordering. The concept store also offers free mobile device charging and table service after 6:00 pm. The first store opened in Hong Kong in December 2015. Some locations are connected to gas stations and convenience stores, while others called McExpress have limited seating or menu or may be located in
5600-554: The familiar golden arches, the restaurants feature "semi-swooshes" (half of a golden arch), similar to the Nike swoosh . McDonald's began banning smoking in 1994 when it restricted customers from smoking within its 1,400 wholly owned restaurants. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic , McDonald's closed most seating and all play areas in its United States restaurants. It transitioned to drive-thru and curbside orders at locations and online food ordering delivery services. In July 2020, for
5700-465: The fare offered were meatloaf, fried chicken, and baked ham. This experiment started with a single location in Darien, Illinois but closed in only one year. In some countries, McDrive locations near highways offer no counter service or seating. In contrast, locations in high-density city neighborhoods often omit drive-through service. There are also a few locations, mostly in downtown districts, that offer
5800-497: The first President Barbie, claiming that Barbie has run for President 7 times since 1992 and released an all-ticket in 2016. Mattel entered the gaming business in 1992 with the purchase of International Games, creators of UNO and Skip-Bo . The company purchased Fisher-Price, Inc. on August 20, 1993, and Tyco Toys, Inc. (owners of the Matchbox and Dinky Toys brands) in 1997. In 1998, Mattel acquired Pleasant Company (creators of
5900-631: The first Thomas & Friends theme park, Thomas Land, opened in Fujikyu Park in Japan . Mattel purchased The Learning Company (formerly SoftKey) in 1999 for $ 3.5 billion, but sold it the following year at a loss. The company had a $ 430.9 million net loss that year. Mattel earned the first grant for the Disney Princess doll license in 2000. In December 2000, Mattel sued Danish-Norwegian europop band Aqua , claiming their song " Barbie Girl " violated
6000-475: The first diverse line of Barbie dolls with a Hispanic doll and the first African-American Barbie (unrelated to Barbie friend Christie), which will eventually include iterations of Barbie from more than 40 countries. In 1982, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe line of action figures was released, which inspired a three-issue comic book mini-series, an animated series and a live-action film. The Felds bought
6100-622: The first life-sized Hot Wheels car, the Twin Mill, was created. More than twenty life-sized cars were created and all of them were inducted into the Hot Wheels Garage of Legends. American Girl launched its “Girl of the Year” campaign in 2001 to highlight dolls with contemporary stories; each doll is only available for a year. In 2002, the company closed its last factory in the United States ;
SECTION 60
#17328592486286200-530: The first sponsor of the Mickey Mouse Club TV series. The Fisher-Price Corn Popper , and the Xylophone was released in 1957. Mattel would ultimately acquire Fisher-Price on August 20, 1993. The Barbie doll debuted on March 9, 1959, going on to become the company's best-selling toy in history. In 1960, Mattel introduced Chatty Cathy , a talking doll that was voiced by June Foray and revolutionized
6300-482: The guidance of Ray Kroc, filed for a trademark on a new logo—an overlapping, double-arched "M" symbol. But before the double arches, McDonald's used a single arch for the architecture of their buildings. Although the "Golden Arches" logo appeared in various forms, the present version was not used until November 18, 1968, when the company was granted a U.S. trademark. The present corporation credits its founding to franchised businessman Ray Kroc on April 15, 1955. This
6400-504: The health effects of its products and its participation in various legal cases. Siblings Richard and Maurice McDonald opened the first McDonald's at 1398 North E Street at West 14th Street in San Bernardino, California , on May 15, 1940. The brothers introduced the "Speedee Service System" in 1948, putting into expanded use the principles of the modern fast-food restaurant that predecessor White Castle had put into practice more than two decades earlier. The original mascot of McDonald's
6500-506: The husband-and-wife duo of Elliot and Ruth Handler founded Mattel as Mattel Creations in January 1945 in a garage in Los Angeles . The company name chosen is a portmanteau of the surname of Matson and first name of Elliot, with former chairman and CEO Bob Eckert revealing at a 2013 Christmas Day Peninsula Seniors lecture that the founders, according to Elliot, couldn't fit Ruth's name into that of their company. The company began selling picture frames and later dollhouse furniture out of
6600-762: The individual items are wrapped or boxed as appropriate. Since Steve Easterbrook became CEO of the company in 2015, McDonald's has streamlined the menu which in the United States contained nearly 200 items. The company has looked to introduce healthier options and removed high-fructose corn syrup from hamburger buns . The company has removed artificial preservatives from Chicken McNuggets , replacing chicken skin, safflower oil and citric acid found in Chicken McNuggets with pea starch, rice starch, and powdered lemon juice. In September 2018, McDonald's USA announced that they no longer use artificial preservatives, flavors and colors entirely from seven classic burgers sold in
6700-471: The issue of girls seeing themselves as less capable than boys. On June 14, 2019, Mattel released new Hot Wheels ID line of cars, which are embedded with NFC chips so that people can scan the cars and then build tracks, race, and view race stats for combined digital and physical racing play. On December 16, Mattel released an update that allowed kids to scan their cars into an app and then access different coding exercises. On August 19, 2019, Mattel announced
6800-487: The late 1990s, McDonald's has attempted to replace employees with electronic kiosks that would perform actions such as taking orders and accepting money. In 1999, McDonald's first tested "E-Clerks" in suburban Chicago, Illinois, and Wyoming, Michigan , with the devices being able to "save money on live staffers" and attracting larger purchase amounts than average employees. In 2013, the University of Oxford estimated that in
6900-506: The line, eventually becoming incorporated in 1982. Mattel Electronics forced Mattel to take a $ 394 million loss the following and almost filed for bankruptcy. In 1979, through Feld Productions , Mattel purchased the Holiday on Ice and Ice Follies for $ 12 million, Also acquired that year was Western Publishing for $ 120 million in cash and stock. which they sold to Richard A. Bernstein in December 4 years later. In 1980, Mattel introduced
7000-465: The liquidation of Toys "R" Us in the U.S. Kreiz started reorganization of Mattel which included new board of directors and added that executives having entertainment backgrounds and a global franchise management group had been charged with finding new opportunities in existing markets. On 30 August 2018, Mattel indicated the formation of its global franchise management division to be headed by Janet Hsu as chief franchise management officer. The division
7100-515: The list of famous individuals painted by Andy Warhol . New York City -based venture capital firms E.M. Warburg, Pincus & Co. , and Drexel Burnham Lambert invested a couple hundred million dollars in Mattel in 1984 to help the company survive. However, the Masters of the Universe action figure line sales dropped, causing a $ 115 million loss in 1987. In the late 1980s, John W. Amerman, who joined Mattel in 1980 as head of its international division,
7200-403: The more options appear to the player; higher levels introduce different types of food, more outfits and more games to play. If they are ignored, they will decrease in skill level. Eventually, if ignored for too long, the game will "end" by causing the characters to "leave", although they can come back by resetting the game using a mini screwdriver into a reset hole. The story is based and shown on
7300-463: The most common theme on the McDonald's Facebook wall was concern for hens. By September 2014, McDonald's heeded the criticism and declared they would strive to eliminate caged eggs by 2017. By January 2018, McDonald's accounced they had succeeded in meeting their goal. In 2015, McDonald's pledged to stop using eggs from battery cage facilities by 2025 for all American restaurants. McDonald's met their goal nearly two years ahead of schedule, announcing
7400-867: The option of fixed contracts instead. A study released by Fast Food Forward conducted by Anzalone Liszt Grove Research showed that approximately 84 percent of all fast food employees working in New York City in April 2013 had been paid less than their legal wages by their employers. From 2007 to 2011, fast food workers in the U.S. drew an average of $ 7firstbillion of public assistance annually resulting from receiving low wages. The McResource website advised employees to break their food into smaller pieces to feel fuller, seek refunds for unopened holiday purchases, sell possessions online for quick cash, and "quit complaining" as "stress hormone levels rise by 15 percent after ten minutes of complaining." In December 2013, McDonald's shut down
7500-401: The ordering process (along with others working in the kitchen or other back-of-the-house roles). There was no seating in this restaurant. On August 5, 2013, The Guardian revealed that 90 percent of McDonald's UK workforce are on zero-hour contracts , making it possibly the largest such private sector employer in the country. In April 2017, due to employee strikes, they gave all employees
7600-590: The player's level skills kept the same. There is also Pixel Pets (Secret Life of Pets) in which pets can start becoming disco stars, the animal equivalent of Pixel Chix. Dogs and hamsters are available. Also available is a babysitter house where the Pixel Chix looks after a baby girl. The red light flashes if something is wrong or needs attention. There is the "Roomies" House with three floors (six rooms in all) with five different roommates - Diva Queen, DJ Hip Hop, Punk Rocker, Super Smarty and Miss Sporty - who are all sold separately, except for Miss Sporty, who comes with
7700-419: The players more played, they would unlock new items and activities. Other games in the series released featured the "Roomies" which brought 6 characters together in a 3-story apartment complex, a babysitting simulator, and a pet simulator called "The Secret Life of Pets" (no relation to the 2016 film ), which featured a hamster or dog. The Pixel Chix girls are all voiced by Tara Strong , except Miss Sporty who
7800-502: The program’s 75th anniversary, featuring animated versions of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles as children and introduced by the Duke of Sussex. In the same month, the new Basquiat Barbie was introduced, featuring the work of the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat . Mattel also created an online resource, "Mattel Playroom", to provide free games, activities, coloring sheets, DIY projects resources for parents/caregivers and more to help families during
7900-420: The red was muted to terracotta, the yellow was shifted to golden for a more "sunny" look, and olive and sage green were added. The warmer look has less plastic and more brick and wood, with modern hanging lights for a softer glow. Many restaurants feature free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Other upgrades include double drive-thrus, flat roofs instead of the angled red roofs, and fiberglass instead of wood. Instead of
8000-577: The regional market is more familiar (such as the sale of McRice in Indonesia, or Ebi (prawn) Burger in Singapore and Japan). McDonald's restaurants in China include fried buns and soybean milk on their breakfast menus. In Germany and some other Western European countries, McDonald's sells beer. In New Zealand, until 2020, McDonald's sold meat pies after local affiliate McDonald's New Zealand partially relaunched
8100-525: The restaurant car park. In March 2015, McDonald's workers in 19 U.S. cities filed 28 health and safety complaints with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration , which allege that low staffing, lack of protective gear, poor training, and pressure to work fast resulted in injuries. The complaints allege that, because of a lack of first aid supplies, workers were told by management to treat burn injuries with condiments such as mayonnaise and mustard . The Fight for $ 15 labor organization aided
8200-541: The same year by recreating and selling as a set the original 16 Hot Wheels die-cast cars. That same year in September, Thomas & Friends announced an alliance with the United Nations to introduce some of the organization’s Sustainable Development Goals , including quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production and life on land, into
8300-637: The scraps from those frames. Matson sold his share and stake to the Handlers due to poor health the following year, with Ruth Handler taking over his stake. In 1947, the company had its first successful toy, a ukulele called "Uke-A-Doodle". The company was incorporated in Hawthorne, California in 1948. In 1950, the Magic 8-Ball , currently owned by Mattel themselves, was invented by Albert C. Carter and Abe Bookman. Mattel started television advertisement when it became
8400-561: The show’s content. On December 24, 2018, Mattel announced the loss of the DC Comics toy license to Spin Master starting in the spring of 2020, hitting an 18-year low on its share price which concluded at $ 9.25 for a share. Mattel reorganized Mattel Creations and renamed it Mattel Television on February 5, 2019, which would be headed by former Disney Branded Television programming executive Adam Bonnett. On June 30, 2020, Fred Soulie in turn
8500-559: The start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In partnership with the Central Food Technological Research Institute in India , McDonald's has introduced millet -based buns on September 4, 2024. Three major ( Pearl millet , Sorghum , and Finger millet ) and two minor ( Proso and Paspalum scrobiculatum ) millets are used which makes up 22% of the bun. It provides more calcium, iron, and protein in addition to
8600-967: The succeeding decades, there was a 92% probability of food preparation and serving becoming automated in fast food establishments. By 2016, McDonald's "Create Your Taste" electronic kiosks were seen in some restaurants internationally where customers could custom order meals. In 2017, McDonald's launched an app in the United States that allows customers to skip the ordering line inside or drive through and order online. Many McDonald's locations have special parking spaces for such orders. In September 2019, McDonald's purchased an AI-based start-up, Apprente, to replace human servers with voice-based technology in its US drive-throughs. In early 2023, McDonald's opened its first largely automated restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas . The restaurant in question would de-emphasize human contact when ordering, with employees available if there were problems but who would otherwise be absent from
8700-615: The successful elimination of caged eggs in February 2024. Since McDonald's purchases over 2 billion eggs per year or 4 percent of eggs produced in the United States, the switch is expected to have a major impact on the egg industry. It is part of a general trend toward cage-free eggs driven by consumer concern over the harsh living conditions of hens. The aviary systems from which the new eggs will be sourced are troubled by much higher mortality rates, as well as introducing environmental and worker safety problems. The high hen mortality rate, which
8800-705: The successful testing of Beyond Meat plant based meat substitutes. In late 2022, McDonald's announced the addition of the Double McPlant at all restaurants in the United Kingdom and Ireland starting January 4 due to the success of the McPlant. In 2024, select McDonald's in the UK were testing vegan ice cream called Choco Scoop and Strawberry Scoop and receiving positive reviews. The company often introduces items temporarily or brings them back after long absences. McDonald's Menu
8900-417: The top 100 companies to work for in 2013, noting only 1,292 positions were full, out of 164,045 job applications during the previous year, as well as more than 1,000 employees had been with the company longer than 15 years. On February 28, 2014, Mattel acquired Mega Brands On April 16, 2015, Mattel announced a partnership with invention platform Quirky to crowd-source a number of products. Mattel added
9000-535: The toy industry, leading to pull-string talking dolls and toys flooding the market throughout the 1960s and 1970s. In 1961, Mattel introduced the Ken doll . The company went public in 1960 and became listed on the New York Stock Exchange 3 years later. Mattel also acquired a number of like-minded companies during the 1960s. The Barbie Dreamhouse made with cardboard and paper made its debut in 1962, when also
9100-458: The website shut down in 2015. In the game, two or more houses can be connected, allowing the characters (the Pixel Chix) to visit one another. These characters can be controlled in ways similar to other hand-held games, such as Tamagotchi. They can be told to go for a walk, watch television, eat a variety of foods, such as popcorn and hamburgers , and go to sleep. The more they are played with,
9200-494: The workers in filing the complaints. McDonald's has been criticized for using factory farmed fast growing chicken breeds in their supply chain. These breeds are more likely to suffer from welfare issues such as broken or fractured bones, leg deformities and heart failure. Throughout 2014, the Facebook page for McDonald's Australia was inundated with posts about McDonald's use of caged eggs. For 87 consecutive days during mid-2014,
9300-526: The year's second quarter, McDonald's reported earnings of 66 cents per share. Compared to the same period of last year, it represented a fall of 68%. In July 2023, the company announced it was working towards a new fast-food brand called CosMc's that would be tested at ten sites. The first location was opened in December 2023 in Bolingbrook, Illinois , and the company is working to open nine restaurants in Texas by
9400-419: Was "role-tripled" to general manager and senior vice president of the new division. On March 9, 2019, Mattel celebrated Barbie's 60th anniversary. As part of the anniversary celebrations, Mattel released 20 new role model dolls in its Shero line to recognize influential women around the world. Mattel donated $ 1 from every sale to its Dream Gap Project Fund, which aims to work with other organizations to end
9500-428: Was a hamburger-headed chef who was referred to as "Speedee". In 1962, the Golden Arches replaced Speedee as the universal mascot. Clown mascot Ronald McDonald was introduced in 1963 to market the chain to children. On May 4, 1961, McDonald's first filed for a U.S. trademark on the name "McDonald's" with the description "Drive-In Restaurant Services," which continues to be renewed. By September 13, McDonald's, under
9600-518: Was invented by Merle Robbins in 1971, and was acquired by Mattel in 1996. In 1971, Mattel purchased The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from the Feld family for $ 40 million, whom Mattel kept on as management. Mattel sold the circus corporation by December 1973 although it was profitable; Mattel showed a $ 29.9 million loss in 1972. In 1974, an investigation found Mattel guilty of issuing false and misleading financial reports, which led to
9700-451: Was mandated to seek out new commercial opportunities plus to bring to together consumer products, content development and distribution, digital gaming, live events and partnerships. Hsu was previously the CEO of Saban Brands, where Frederic Soulie last worked before being appointed as senior vice president of content distribution and business development in the franchise division on September 28, 2018. Hot Wheels celebrated its 50th anniversary
9800-479: Was named the company’s new chairman and improved its financial performance in 1987 by focusing on core brands. It paid off as sales of Barbie dolls and accessories increased from $ 430 million to almost $ 1 billion between 1987 and 1992. Mattel secured licensing and sponsorship rights from The Walt Disney Company for a new line of infant and preschool plush toys in 1988, sponsor attractions and to develop and sell toys at three Disney theme parks. Mattel also negotiated
9900-459: Was released only in Europe. Fitted at the bottom sides of every house are USB-like plug-ins that connect the houses together that allows different Pixel Chix to visit and interact with each other. Pixel Chix were successful upon release, forming an important part of Mattel's earnings that year. In 2009, Mattel discontinued the brand, but Pixel Chix remained on the Everythinggirl.com website until
10000-453: Was the ninth opened McDonald's restaurant overall, although this location was destroyed and rebuilt in 1984. Kroc was recorded as being an aggressive business partner, driving the McDonald brothers out of the industry. Kroc and the McDonald brothers fought for control of the business, as documented in Kroc's autobiography. In 1961, he purchased the McDonald brothers' equity in the company and began
#627372