At the close of 2010, numbers for popular fast food moguls revealed a new top dog has emerged for the most restaurant locations internationally.
Subway squeezed ahead of the pack with 33,749 restaurants worldwide, while McDonald’s fell just short with 32,737 locations, though the burger chain remains dominant in sales with a reported revenue of $24 billion last year.
Similar to this international sales trend, McDonald’s comes in first on a list of the top 10 University dining retail locations on campus. Subway ranks No. 6, according to the rankings compiled by LSU Dining.
Both restaurants do well on the University campus, said Stephen Barr, assistant director of University Auxiliary Services.
“With McDonald’s, it’s easy for students to get a burger for a couple of bucks, make a fast grab and go,” Barr said. “But Subway’s fast food is a healthier option, and students have the flexibility to get what they want.”
Barr said the success could be a result of McDonald’s central location and late-night hours, but the rankings might change once all the new Student Union dining locations are open for business.
Amistic Fontenette, psychology freshman, said she prefers McDonald’s to Subway.
“The dollar menu is great, especially for commuters who have to pay for gas and other expenses,” Fontenette said.
Bianca Young, psychology sophomore, agreed that prices at McDonald’s are more affordable for students.
“McDonald’s is very cheap and convenient for students,” Young said. “I was unaware of the fact that Subway is so on top of its competition, though.”
Taylor LeBlanc, mass communication freshman, said the location of the on-campus McDonald’s is an important factor in its high ranking on campus.
“The Union location makes a big difference for me. The food is good and ridiculously quick,” LeBlanc said.
David Heidke, LSU Dining director, said a balance of options is important to cater to student needs.
“Our McDonald’s is open seven days a week, and the Union gets a tremendous amount of foot traffic,” Heidke said. “It’s configured to drive more volume than the Subway we have, but Subway has healthier options.”
Heidke said the University’s Subway location in the basement of Foster Hall is one of the most efficient Subways in the restaurant chain.
“Their ability to turn customers and get them through the line is amazing,” he said. “It’s also one of the busiest of the locations from the hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and they do a good job of it.”
 
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Contact Morgan Searles at [email protected]