[Beltiras]

Playing word association the word that doesn't come to mind when you say "McDonalds patrons" is wealthy.

[rswail]

Only a relatively wealthy population can afford fast food. The "convenience" of fast food is something that poor people (actually poor, not Western poverty) can't afford.

So yes, in the US/EU etc, McDonalds is seen as "cheap" food, but in places like Asian countries like Thailand, McDonalds is considered "middle class".