Introduction
Why are McDonald’s soft-serve ice cream machines “always broken”? What began as a running joke on social media turned into a full-blown economic conspiracy theory in 2016, as franchisees, journalists, and internet sleuths exposed possible collusion, sabotage, and backdoor profits around the world’s most famous dessert machine.
Origins
For years, customers have noticed McDonald’s ice cream machines seem to be in a perpetual state of malfunction. Investigations revealed the real story might involve monopolistic control by Taylor Company (the machine manufacturer), expensive service contracts, and restrictions imposed on franchise owners—preventing them from repairing or maintaining their own equipment.
The Conspiracy Theory
Some allege a deliberate business strategy: broken machines boost sales of more profitable menu items, or allow Taylor to profit from expensive, proprietary repair calls. Others claim “repair codes” are hidden, with only authorized technicians allowed to fix breakdowns. Grassroots efforts like the Kytch startup, which hacked the repair system, were reportedly sabotaged by McDonald’s and Taylor to preserve the monopoly.
Core Principles and Beliefs
- Planned obsolescence and repair monopolies harm franchisees and customers.
- Big corporations collude to maximize profit at the expense of transparency.
- Repair “right to repair” advocates are up against powerful vested interests.
Controversies and Criticism
McDonald’s and Taylor deny wrongdoing, blaming complexity and hygiene. The case is now cited in debates over the right to repair and corporate power.
Key Examples
- Kytch’s lawsuit against McDonald’s and Taylor for sabotage and defamation.
- Leaked documents about exclusive repair contracts.
Critical Analysis
The McDonald’s ice cream saga is more than a meme: it’s a modern story of monopoly, grassroots rebellion, and hidden profit.
Influential Literature: Pro & Contra
- Andy Greenberg – “Always Broken: The Ice Cream Machine Mystery” – 2022.
- Rebecca Giblin & Cory Doctorow – “Chokepoint Capitalism” – Beacon, 2022.
- Kyle Wiens – “The Right to Repair” – Penguin, 2023.