Fast food value meals only look like a deal. Food professor Sylvain Charlebois lays out the seventeen minute rule behind them: the average person sits comfortably for seventeen minutes, so McDonald's built its old plastic chairs to move you out the door before that clock ran out, and priced the Happy Meal to lose money on purpose.

Every renovated dining room, every soft drink fountain, every table-side delivery is the same math running in reverse, and Charlebois walks through why booze at Canadian fast food spots still is not part of service here despite being standard across Europe.

Then the ban on American alcohol comes under the microscope. Five hundred days in, Charlebois has the numbers on what it actually cost the U.S. side, and it is not what most people assume.

Topics: fast food value meals, McDonald's, American booze ban, Sylvain Charlebois, liquor boards

GUEST: Sylvain Charlebois | @‌foodprofessor

Originally aired on 2026-07-09

Fast food value meals only look like a deal. Food professor Sylvain Charlebois lays out the seventeen minute rule behind them: the average person sits comfortably for seventeen minutes, so McDonald's built its old plastic chairs to move you out the door before that clock ran out, and priced the Happy Meal to lose money on purpose.
Every renovated dining room, every soft drink fountain, every table-side delivery is the same math running in reverse, and Charlebois walks through why booze at Canadian fast food spots still is not part of service here despite being standard across Europe.
Then the ban on American alcohol comes under the microscope. Five hundred days in, Charlebois has the numbers on what it actually cost the U.S. side, and it is not what most people assume.
Topics: fast food value meals, McDonald's, American booze ban, Sylvain Charlebois, liquor boards
GUEST: Sylvain Charlebois | @&zwnj;foodprofessor
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-07-09

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.