McDonalds Case

I stop each morning at my local McDonalds for a "caffeine fix" of a large Diet Coke. I am a regular there, just like Norm at Cheers, where I enjoy my name being used, just as I know each employee. I like that I am greeted with a friendly smile each day, and one is always offered in return. I have my usual table, just like my normal pew at church, and yes, I find myself upset if someone is in my spot. It is a respite for me, and has become my daily routine for years, except on the occasional day if I am sick, out of town, or on a holiday, when they have always been closed. Now, growing up in church, I am a true believer in both Christmas and Easter, and the scared meaning of them, so imagine my surprise back in November, when I walk in to see a sign on the door that said McDonalds would be open for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. While this truly bothered me, it wasn't until this past first week of March, when the new sign on the door announced they will be open on Easter, did I finally feel I needed to put my foot down.

While Thanksgiving has always been special to me, I have always reverently believed that both Christmas and Easter are two days that all retailers should be closed. Truth be told, I feel all federally recognized holiday should be observed by al, but in particular those two. It is understandable, with families spread out and travel being necessary, that gas stations and hotels, may find the need to be open. I will even grant that a pharmacy might find the need as well, but for the bulk of retailers, they should be closed, allowing families to be together. Whether you celebrates those days for their true religious meanings, or it is more of a day about food, fun, and family, the majorities of families and their values, have always reserved those two days of just that, time with family.

I have talked to several friends and colleagues regarding their feelings on large corporate companies opening on what once were sacred days. Some friends voiced their verbal disdain for the action, but others took the attitude that that's just the way it is now. I completely disagree; it doesn't just have to be that way. I sat down last week and wrote letters to several McDonald's executives and a local multiple franchise owner, asking which McDonald's restaurants they will be working in this coming Easter Sunday, since it is that important to be open. The way I see it, shouldn't responsible and respectable business owners be willing to work on those holidays they are asking employees to work? Maybe I would feel better if I felt they were doing it to truly serve the community, but they are not. There won't be free coffee or discounted food for weary travelers and I am certain that the bulk of employees will not be receiving