Bill Gates Says Warren Buffett Treated Him To Lunch At McDonald's – 'You Offered To Pay, Dug Into Your Pocket, And Pulled Out … Coupons!'

Billionaires might be known for their lavish lifestyles but some still have a soft spot for fast food. Jeff Bezos, for instance, started out flipping burgers at McDonald’s, while Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, two of the world’s richest men, famously enjoy dining there. Gates once shared a memorable experience where his buddy Buffett treated him to lunch at McDonald’s in Hong Kong but didn’t exactly “pay” in the typical sense.

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In a 2017 annual Gates Notes letter dedicated to Buffett, Gates wrote: “Remember the laugh we had when we traveled together to Hong Kong and decided to get lunch at McDonald's? You offered to pay, dug into your pocket, and pulled out … coupons! It reminded us how much you value a good deal.” 

Despite being some of the richest men on earth, Gates and Buffett appreciate the simple things in life. Buffett, known for his modest lifestyle, frequently visits McDonald’s, often opting for budget-friendly breakfast items like two sausage patties for $2.61 or a classic bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich for just $3.17, as he explained years ago. Of course, prices have gone up over the years, so Buffett's favorite breakfast sandwiches likely cost much more. 

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While a few dollars more for breakfast may seem like nothing when your net worth is $134.6 billion like Buffett’s, he doesn't actually have to pay at all. Both Gates and Buffett have a McDonald’s “Gold Card,” which grants them free meals for life. Buffett’s card is limited to McDonald’s locations in his hometown of Omaha, but Gates' card allows him to enjoy free meals at any McDonald’s location in the world. 

Gates and Buffett, despite their different backgrounds – Gates as a tech mogul and Buffett as a legendary investor – have found common ground in their appreciation for frugality and good deals. This incident also illustrates how Buffett’s influence has shaped Gates’ perspective on value and simplicity.

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Their friendship, which began in 1991, has only deepened. Gates initially hesitated to meet Buffett. The two often recall how Gates didn't want to meet Buffett, but his mother convinced him to give him a chance. After just a few hours of conversation filled with insightful questions about the software business, he discovered a profound connection that has lasted decades.

While Gates and Buffett share a mutual love for fast food and philanthropy, their lifestyles are still dramatically different. Gates lives in a luxurious high-tech mansion, reflecting his status as a tech billionaire. Buffett is known for his frugal approach to life, continuing to live in the same modest home he purchased for $31,500 in 1958.

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