Muscle of MickyD in Poland

McDonald's Corp. aims to double its outlets in Poland to 420 over the next 10 years, making the country one of its five biggest European markets.

The firm expects 2007 revenue growth to outpace last year's 17 percent gain in the country of 38 million people. McDonald's, which rolled out its first Warsaw restaurant in 1992, faces growing competition in Poland's expanding fast-food market.

This particular icon of the fast-food chain shown left is being carried away by two members of a local police department. Perhaps the news of expanding locations across Poland caused a little too much celebration. If you know the history of redheads in Poland - perhaps Ronnie is being carried away for another reason. If he is also left handed he'd be in really big trouble.


AmRest SA, which operates Pizza Hut and KFC outlets in Poland, also is opening new stores. Burger King, which opened its first Polish eatery last month, plans to set up seven more this year. MickyD holds 60 percent of Poland's fast-food market. They are modernizing thier restaurants, adding new locations and constantly changing the menu. This year, McDonald's will start selling breakfast in Poland and widen its range of coffees. It is also negotiating with Poland's third-biggest mobile-phone company for free Internet access at all of its restaurants in Poland.