The Apple Store, Spike Lee and Steve Jobs

The Apple Store on 5th

Several days ago I had the privilege of attending the official opening of the new Apple Computer store here in Manhattan on 5th avenue. As a byproduct of attending the event - I waited three hours in line, I was able to shake hands with film director Spike Lee. This incident amazingly took place after watching Steve Jobs(CEO of Apple Computer) and Spike Lee talking inside of the Apple store. In fact, as the two were talking, there was a crowd of people surrounding the two, a crowd with digital cameras and phone cameras taking picture of the two as they were talking. I could not hear what the two were talking about but I know the conversation was deep, Spike was doing most of the talking and Steve wasw listening intently with a stern and intense expression. Once the conversation was over and the two split, the crowd essentially kept their cameras on Steve, which allowed for me to singularly approach Spike, shake his hand and say "You are appreciated."

-PD

Mcdonald's and Chipotle

McDonald's recently announced that they would sell off their stake in Chipotle, the gourmet Mexican cuisine restaurant. In an order to focus more on the McDonald's Brand, as they put it.

Considering the popularity of Chipotle and the fact that it targets a different consumer market than McDonald's, I'm not sure if I agree with the short-term solution of selling away their profitable share of Chipotle to focus on more on McDonald's. They could simply emulate the Procter and Gamble model of housing several brands(restaurants) under one roof so to speak and let them compete in the market place and take the profits from both.