BACKGROUND
In 2016, investigative journalist Brian Thompson set out to uncover the mystery behind whatever happened to pizza at McDonald's on his acclaimed podcast Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's? Almost instantly, the show struck a chord with fans of long form journalism, McDonald's pizza, and audio entertainment.
Until now, Mr. Thompson has conducted his investigation from a distance, relying only on telephone, email, and social media communication to pursue the truth behind McDonald's decision to remove pizza from their menu. But Mr. Thompson believes it is now time to put boots on the ground and immerse himself in this quest more deeply than ever before. It is now time to try McDonald's pizza.
THE PLAN
How is this possible when pizza has been stricken from the McDonald's menu? A heroic franchise owner has taken it upon himself to respect his customers and the legacy of McDonald's by refusing to do away with pizza at his stores. Yes, at one McDonald's location in Pomeroy, Ohio, pizza is still served.
With your help, Mr. Thompson and a producer will travel to Pomeroy, Ohio, try McDonald's pizza, and report back to you the listener with an invaluable firsthand perspective. Like Hunter S. Thompson immersed himself in biker culture and Tom Wolfe immersed himself in Kool-Aid, so too will Mr. Thompson immerse himself in McDonald's pizza. As the old saying goes, "You had to be there."
We are seeking the necessary funds for Mr. Thompson and a producer to travel from the city of Los Angeles to the city of Pomeroy to try McDonald's pizza and thereafter produce what may well become the definitive episode of Whatever Happened to Pizza at McDonald's?
Our plan is to leave on a Saturday and return the following Sunday. No time or money will be wasted.
Our projected expenses:
Airfare: $700
Car rental/gas: $60
Local Pomeroy one to two-star hotel: $75
Per diem (including pizza expenses): $30/day ($60 total)
Kickstarter fees: ~$86.50
Grand total: $981
All expenses will be itemized and disclosed to backers in the form of receipts.
Thank you for your interest and support. With your help, we can make a difference.
Risks and challenges
Any journalistic endeavor poses numerous risks and challenges, especially those involving substantial travel. Flights have been known to suffer delays, cancellations, and crashes. Hotels are sometimes booked. Rental cars break down. We will mitigate these risks through careful planning, journalistic skill, and prayer.
There is also the risk that the McDonald's in Pomeroy, Ohio, will be out of pizza. In such a case, we are prepared to extend our travel time to await the creation of more pizzas. They may also refuse to serve us, but we plan to reduce this risk by making sure we are wearing both shirts and shoes.
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Funding period
- (30 days)