Fast-food and convenience-store franchises, an obvious first step on the ladder, are often awarded to blacks, but franchises still account for a tiny share of retail sales.

ECONOMIST: Paper lions

The San Diego-based fast-food chain reported its same-store sales fell 0.1% in the second-quarter, down from a year ago increase of 6.4%.

FORBES: Magazine Article

But at the moment, it still has that buzzy balance that is brewed up when a fast food joint is adjacent to a dollar store that is next door to a hip, new restaurant.

BBC: H Street heats up

The fast-food joint also said that global same-store sales rose 5.6% during the quarter.

FORBES: U.S. Stock Futures Decline on Greece, Iran Worries; Texas Instruments Calls a Bottom

Comparable sales and store traffic increased across all segments, the fast-food giant said.

FORBES: McDonald's Profit Grows 19% As Global Sales Strengthen

The neighborhood fast-food chain, after all, is likely to require less time and energy than a trip to the grocery store--which would be followed by standing at the stove.

FORBES: Magazine Article