McDonald's Blows it for Halloween, but a Pennsylvania Restaurant Kills with Somethin' Strange in the Neighborhood

Happy Halloween!

In Portugal, something Halloweenish happened that wasn’t so happy; but perhaps they simply didn’t know better.

Lo, there in that small southwestern European republic, McDonald’s had a big idea: promote their sundae to the tune of All Hallow’s Eve with the “Sundae Bloody Sundae” extravaganza.

Standups hawking the sing-songy-phrased deal featured the color of blood, vanilla ice cream with strawberry sauce, and the touting of a twofer.

Portugal is cancelled. pic.twitter.com/X1egoGRq9j

— Smugairle Rona (@bigmonsterlove) October 30, 2019

However, as relayed by The Guardian, after a negative reaction, the campaign was kiboshed.

And why?

Fox News reports:

While there are several dates referred to as “Bloody Sunday,” the most well-known is a 1972 incident in Northern Ireland when British troops fired upon unarmed civilians during a protest march against the internment of suspected members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The shooting, which left 14 people dead, was the inspiration for the U2 song “Sunday Bloody Sunday.”

Additionally, of course, there was the 1965 Selma, Alabama march led by Martin Luther King, Jr., which ended with state troopers assaulting many with nightsticks, resulting in 17 hospitalized and 50 treated for less serious injuries.

A spokesperson for McDonald’s Portugal apologized for the gaffe:

“When promoting its Halloween Sundae ice cream, McDonald’s Portugal developed a local market activation for a small number of its restaurants in Portugal. The campaign was intended as a celebration of Halloween, not as an insensitive reference to any historical event or to upset or insult anyone in any way. We sincerely apologize for any offense or distress this may have caused.”

That’s not all of the Big Mac maker’s witching-hour worries.

In North Andover, Massachusetts, Mickey D’s caught flack for graphic Halloween decor some labeled “insensitive.”

The franchise location removed a spooky display depicting a man hanging from a tree.

.@McDonalds is apologizing after these Halloween decorations were put up in their North Andover restaurant. Customers we spoke with tonight are split about whether the image is offensive #WCVB pic.twitter.com/wnRfhmV8zP

— Matt Reed (@MattReedNews) October 24, 2019

Personally — putting aside Bloody Sundae — if the combination of outrage, safe spaces, and entitlement continue, I don’t imagine Halloween thriving for much longer.

It’s just too doggone triggering.

In fact, I don’t see “triggering” thriving, either — it’s a scary reference to a gun.

But back to McDonald’s, if the chain wants to do themselves up right for the wonderfully wacky season, let ’em learn from Pennsylvania’s Angelo’s II restaurant.

Ladies and gentleman, I give you awesomeness:

[ sound on ] Ghostbusters vs Marshmallow Man and tentacles monster cosplay by Steel City Ghostbusters and Angelo's II Bar and Restaurant. #Ghostbusters #Cosplay #Costume #CraftYourFandom pic.twitter.com/SOIRy2VDDB

— the RPF (@therpf) October 30, 2019