Thread: Smells like McDonald's': Fast-food chain debuts world's first scented billboard

Sure, you've seen billboards. But have you ever had the chance to smell one?


Some will soon be able to, thanks to McDonald's.


According to a press release, the Chicago-based burger chain debuted a series of seemingly-plain yellow and red billboards in the Netherlands that contain "the distinct aroma of McDonald's French Fries."


"In everyday settings like elevators, subways, or conference rooms, one often encounters a familiar scent: McDonald's," the press release said. "Though unseen, its presence is unmistakable, akin to the brand's iconic logo or jingle. That is why McDonald's Netherlands leveraged their iconic smell in their latest campaign."


According to the release, the billboards appear empty at first glance. However, passengers approaching within five meters of the signs will begin to smell the chain's iconic fries.


It's the first time a billboard has been used to "diffuse the McDonald's scent," the release added.


A promotional video for the campaign described it as "the world's first billboard that smells like McDonald's." In the video, officials say the brand used ventilators to "suck and diffuse" the scent of McDonald's fries, which were placed inside the sign.

The billboards were then "strategically" placed within 200 meters of McDonald's restaurants, the release said.


The campaign comes after McDonald's announced all U.S. stores would start selling McDonald's Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The rollout will start in the second half of 2024. It's expected to be completed in 2026, officials said.

McDonald’s debuts ‘world’s first billboard’ that smells like fries in Netherlands – NBC Bay Area

Can we guess who on this forum eats Macdonald's

Backspit
Lulu
Genticles

at what point would these smells become pollution?

Originally Posted by baldrick

Can we guess who on this forum eats Macdonald's

Backspit
Lulu
Genticles

Armstrong.
Chitty.

Originally Posted by DrWilly

at what point would these smells become pollution?

Billboards are pollution even without smell!

Looks as though one has to be fairly close to it to get a whiff.

I must admit to stopping by a McDonalds a few weeks back for the convenience of the drive through window. Ordered a beef truffle burger. That thang was good!

This could work with coffee and baguettes.

McDonald's?

Not so much.

Is there a Gwyneth Paltrow version

I have to say my McD regime only exists here in Thailand. Rarely ate them in UK and even then it was generally limited to the breakfast - I love their hash browns with ketchup and the scrambled rubberised egg bits.
Here in a country where snacks are noodle affairs or some dreary rice, McD is a default option for when I’m not at home and feel a bit peckish, and during trips upcountry they’re a bloody lifeline.

For a fast food option in preference to a proper meal because of time constraints, or too much beer, I much prefer Burgerking.

i like their coffee, their fries and their fishburgers. and like s.a. only use macdonalds in thailand where you can sit in relative calm watching the world and consuming your food.

going through the doors into an inner city uk macdonalds after 5pm is akin to passing through a vortex of doom into a world of pain and failure, a noisy and disorganised litter strewn hell, as you come face to ugly face with the world of the lower end brit meathead with more chips on their shoulders than on their ketchup dripping plates.

the duck lipped neanderthal eyebrowed single mothers glued to their phone whilst their broods of multi coloured snotty squealing offspring cry out for attention. the sulking tattooed black clad teens absent mindedly gnawing on their burgers, the obese tattooed and unwashed wasters escaping the chilly drizzle and the hardcase thugs scoping the place with their death stares looking for a fight.

but for some strange reason burger king, offering similar fare, attracts a completely different class of patron.

We grab a burger maybe once in every three weeks or so when we visit The Mall. It used to be McDonalds but now I prefer Burger King, especially the fries.

Does anyone remember those 'scratch and sniff' T-shirts in the 70s? They had a picture of a fruit on the front and when you scratched it you got the smell.

Originally Posted by taxexile

i like their coffee, their fries and their fishburgers. and like s.a. only use macdonalds in thailand where you can sit in relative calm watching the world and consuming your food.
.

JFK. You really are sadder than fucking sad. What a way to pass time before you die.

Don't be so harsh.

That's where tax and sa are at.

At least tax has meals on wheels and his bus pass.

sa elbowing his way onto a song taew for the Tahitian Queen happy hour large Changs though...it's a struggle.

Originally Posted by Mendip

Does anyone remember those 'scratch and sniff' T-shirts in the 70s?

I remember when Larry Flynt put a scratch and sniff picture in Hustler magazine.

Originally Posted by DrWilly

JFK. You really are sadder than fucking sad. What a way to pass time before you die.

i would rather sit in a macd's with a portion of fries watching the activity on a bangkok street than traipse around bongo bongo land watching fucking pygmies scratching their arses and listening to rhinos farting.

and i suspect your kids would agree with me too.

Originally Posted by taxexile

i would rather sit in a macd's with a portion of fries watching the activity on a bangkok street than traipse around bongo bongo land watching fucking pygmies scratching their arses and listening to rhinos farting.

and i suspect your kids would agree with me too.

Whoops, here we go with the family comments.

did I hit a nerve?

I found a pic of tax…

Originally Posted by Seekingasylum

I much prefer Burgerking

By far.

If you need emergency bladder relief between Soi cowboy and Suk Soi 4 McDonald's is the perfect place to shake it .
But i wouldn't recommend trying the food personally i never have but will leave that decision up to you.

^

20 years ago maybe. but these days terminal 21 is "restroom" heaven.

Originally Posted by taxexile

^

20 years ago maybe. but these days terminal 21 is "restroom" heaven.

T21 about 1 minute walk from Soi Cowboy I recommend you plan your trip with a quick shake before you depart Fanny's. Thus avoid a quick pit 2 at T21.But I agree the toilets have a much nicer decor than McDonald's.

^^ The toilets in T21 in Korat are superb... temperature controlled wash and dry, and well worth more than a quick pit stop. In fact, they're probably the best thing about the place.

And I'm talking Korat, not just the shopping mall.