McDonald’s speaks up for small firms

Skinner declined to comment on whether McDonald’s supports a government insurance plan to compete with private companies, which has been part of the debate among the nation’s lawmakers about how to best expand health care insurance for Americans. He said the fast food chain, where franchisees make up 80 percent of all restaurants worldwide, would take a wait-and-see attitude before backing a specific overhaul approach.

“We are supportive of health care reform,’’ Skinner said. “It’s really about small business and how much of a burden there will be. Our businesses are small so they will be impacted in that way. But we believe having access to health care is an important issue.’’

In remarks yesterday to the Boston College’s Chief Executives’ Club of Boston luncheon, Skinner also said companies should be wary of the new era of greater government involvement and that it is not the ideal way for the business community to grow and thrive.

“The amount of turmoil and transformation that has taken place around us over the past few years is nothing short of astounding,’’ he said during the luncheon at the Boston Harbor Hotel. “It’s become a brave new world out there. And it’s a world I don’t think anyone of us should really be that comfortable with.’’

To move past this, companies must be even more committed to doing well and doing good, Skinner said. He stressed the importance of the business community behaving ethically and with honor and integrity.

“We’ve seen plenty of self-interest and get-rich-quick thinking on display in recent times. And we’ve seen what it’s done to entire industries and the overall business community,’’ Skinner said. “Those who cut corners, bend rules, and mismanage their mission can end up bringing down themselves and a lot of us along with them.’’

Skinner, in a press interview after his talk, said he feels McDonald’s has been unfairly attacked over the obesity epidemic and that the company is part of the solution, not the problem. The company has expanded its menu to offer more healthy choices, such as salads, and more than one-third of the happy meals purchased include a milk, fruit, or vegetable.

“We take responsibility in being part of the solution,’’ said Skinner, who noted that he eats McDonald’s food everyday.

McDonald’s is hosting “Open Door Tours’’ this week to show consumers how their food is prepared, including the iconic Egg McMuffin. A registered dietician will be present at an event in Revere on Friday to provide tips for families and professionals.

Skinner says McDonald’s focus on expanding choice, emphasizing value, and creating innovation has helped the Golden Arches succeed, despite the recession. Over the past year, it has taken market share from competitors in every major market and is now serving 58 million customers every day, 2 million more than last year.

He noted the launch of touch-screen kiosks in Europe, home delivery in Asia, and the rollout of a specialty coffee program as efforts that have contributed to the company’s growth. “The downturn we’re in cannot be an excuse for standing still,’’ Skinner said.

He described the coffee launch in the Boston market - facing strong competition from Dunkin’ Donuts - as going very well. He did not have details on the growth or market share.

“It was a huge investment for us and our franchisees. But that’s where the future lies. That’s where the opportunity is,’’ Skinner said. “Either we are part of it, or we’ll be left behind and others will take the opportunity.’’

Jenn Abelson can be reached at abelson@globe.com.