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Tag: McDonald’s

  • McDonald’s CEO is grappling with a ‘two-tier economy’ as he slashes prices on value meals—and signals backing for a minimum wage increase

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    McDonald’s is banking on burgers and fries to tell a bigger story about the American economy. Chief executive Chris Kempczinski is slimming down the cost of the fast-food giant’s value meals as he grapples with what he calls a “two-tier economy”—a widening divide between consumers who are still spending freely and those who are pulling back.

    For years, dating back to the 2022 inflation wave, McDonald’s and its fast-food rivals have contended with shopper frustration over rising menu prices, with combo meals increasingly breaking into double digits. Customers at the higher end of the income spectrum continue to order premium products and use delivery apps at healthy rates. Lower-income diners, however, are cutting back, Kempczinski argued in an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box, treating fast food less as a daily convenience and more as an occasional splurge. He told the anchors that McDonald’s has been on a “value journey” over the past year or so.

    “Particularly with middle- and lower-income consumers, they’re feeling under a lot of pressure right now,” Kempczinski told the CNBC anchors. ”There’s a lot of commentary around, ‘What’s the state of the economy, how’s it doing right now?’ And what we see is, it’s really kind of a two-tier economy. If you’re upper-income, earning over $100,000, things are good … What we see with middle- and lower-income consumers, it’s actually a different story.” He cited traffic for these demographics being down double digits, and they’re skipping breakfast or eating at home.

    Kempczinski was pressed on some political issues by the CNBC anchors, including whether McDonald’s fits in with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy’s MAHA (Make America Healthy Again) goals, and the policy around no taxes on tips. Kempczinski said he personally supported the no taxes on tips policy, but clarified that it didn’t help McDonald’s much, as it doesn’t allow tips. A tips restaurant requires a minimum wage of just $2.13 per hour, he added, which hasn’t changed since 1991, calling this an “uneven playing field” as “you’re essentially getting the customer to pay for your labor,” plus the tax-free benefit. He called for one federal minimum wage for all kinds of restaurants, and then said McDonald’s was “open” to raising the federal minimum wage, adding that the company was “in dialogue” with the White House about several issues including this one.

    The current federal minimum wage in the United States is $7.25 per hour, a rate that has gone unchanged since July 24, 2009. This long-standing rate has held for over 16 years without a federal increase, the longest period in U.S. history without an update to the minimum wage. However, many states and localities have adopted higher minimum wage rates, some reaching as high as $18 per hour, such as in the District of Columbia.

    In 2025, significant new legislation called the Raise the Wage Act was introduced in Congress. This proposed law would incrementally increase the federal minimum wage to $17 per hour by the year 2030, phasing out subminimum wage rates for tipped workers, workers with disabilities, and youth workers. Additionally, a Senate bill was proposed to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour starting Jan. 1 of the first year after its passage. These legislative efforts indicate active momentum at the federal level to increase the minimum wage after more than a decade of stagnation.

    Different from the Great Recession

    Kempczinski added that this isn’t like what McDonald’s saw during the Great Recession, “when everyone traded down.” And so McDonald’s has to be creative to play both sides of the issue. Increased accessibility for lower-income consumers now comes in the form of a revamped $5 meal bundle, along with more aggressive price promotions in flagship markets. Advertising campaigns are leaning heavily on the theme of value, a message designed to resonate with cost-conscious families forced to make sharper trade-offs in their daily spending.

    The strategy underscores a balancing act for McDonald’s. As one of the few global chains with the size and procurement power to cut prices without immediately crippling profitability, the company can play offense where smaller rivals cannot. Still, franchisees—who operate most U.S. locations—are wary that thinner price points could turn into margin squeezes just as wages, rent, and insurance remain high. Still, Kempczinski told the CNBC anchors that the move toward more value was “almost unanimous” among franchisees, to a surprised reaction.

    The broader retail picture

    McDonald’s dual-track strategy echoes a broader split visible across much of the U.S. economy. Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target report a similar trend that Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos put his finger on in March: “Many of our customers report that only have enough money for basic essentials.” Delta Air Lines, a proxy for demand among the affluent consumer cohort, has largely gone from strength to strength as America’s most profitable airline, although it has lowered guidance during 2025, owing to uncertainty from the Trump tariff regime.

    The trends recall an economic pattern established during the pandemic: the “K-shaped” economy. As Gregory Daco, chief economist at EY-Parthenon, explained to Fortune in 2023, this means that middle and lower-income consumers are one leg of the “K,” pointing down and to the right, while the upper-income cohort is doing better and better.

    McDonald’s, though, has to master the “K” to get the most out of its consumers. That means fighting to maintain its decades-old position as the go-to spot for an affordable meal, even as it courts higher-margin opportunities to keep shareholders satisfied. Whether that balancing act proves sustainable may depend on just how long America’s two-track consumer economy sticks around.

    For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing. 

    Fortune Global Forum returns Oct. 26–27, 2025 in Riyadh. CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of business. Apply for an invitation.

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    Nick Lichtenberg

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  • McDonald’s restaurants finally have a solution to its busted McFlurry machine problem

    McDonald’s restaurants finally have a solution to its busted McFlurry machine problem

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    NEW YORK — A broken McDonald’s McFlurry machine, arguably one of life’s greatest nuisances, has finally been solved thanks to a court ruling.

    McDonald’s franchises haven’t been able to fix the soft serve ice cream machines on their own because manufacturing company Taylor owns the copyright and exclusive rights to fix the machines – until now.

    The United States Copyright Office granted a copyright exemption last week that gives restaurants the “right to repair” the machines by bypassing the digital locks that prevented them from being fixed. The inability to make timely fixes has been a bane of the customers’ existence, so much so, that there’s a third-party website called McBroken.com that tracks their availability.

    The exemption, which goes into effect Monday, was requested by advocacy group Public Knowledge and repairs website iFixIt to allow third parties to circumvent digital locks on the machines for repairs. Although the full request wasn’t granted, commercial restaurant equipment received a narrow exemption.

    Public Knowledge and iFixIt teamed together on the issue after the latter group broke apart an ice cream machine and found “lots of easily replaceable parts.”

    The decision will lead to an “overdue shake-up of the commercial food prep industry,” according to Meredith Rose, senior policy counsel at Public Knowledge.

    “There’s nothing vanilla about this victory; an exemption for retail-level commercial food preparation equipment will spark a flurry of third-party repair activity and enable businesses to better serve their customers,” Rose said in a statement.

    McDonald’s and Taylor didn’t immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.

    Broken ice cream machines have been such a blemish on McDonald’s reputation that even competitors mock them for it. And perhaps a fix can’t come quick enough: Nearly 15% of ice cream machines are broken as of Monday, according to McBroken.

    The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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    CNNWire

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  • McDonald’s restaurants finally have a solution to its busted McFlurry machine problem

    McDonald’s restaurants finally have a solution to its busted McFlurry machine problem

    [ad_1]

    NEW YORK — A broken McDonald’s McFlurry machine, arguably one of life’s greatest nuisances, has finally been solved thanks to a court ruling.

    McDonald’s franchises haven’t been able to fix the soft serve ice cream machines on their own because manufacturing company Taylor owns the copyright and exclusive rights to fix the machines – until now.

    The United States Copyright Office granted a copyright exemption last week that gives restaurants the “right to repair” the machines by bypassing the digital locks that prevented them from being fixed. The inability to make timely fixes has been a bane of the customers’ existence, so much so, that there’s a third-party website called McBroken.com that tracks their availability.

    The exemption, which goes into effect Monday, was requested by advocacy group Public Knowledge and repairs website iFixIt to allow third parties to circumvent digital locks on the machines for repairs. Although the full request wasn’t granted, commercial restaurant equipment received a narrow exemption.

    Public Knowledge and iFixIt teamed together on the issue after the latter group broke apart an ice cream machine and found “lots of easily replaceable parts.”

    The decision will lead to an “overdue shake-up of the commercial food prep industry,” according to Meredith Rose, senior policy counsel at Public Knowledge.

    “There’s nothing vanilla about this victory; an exemption for retail-level commercial food preparation equipment will spark a flurry of third-party repair activity and enable businesses to better serve their customers,” Rose said in a statement.

    McDonald’s and Taylor didn’t immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.

    Broken ice cream machines have been such a blemish on McDonald’s reputation that even competitors mock them for it. And perhaps a fix can’t come quick enough: Nearly 15% of ice cream machines are broken as of Monday, according to McBroken.

    The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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    CNNWire

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  • McDonald’s restaurants finally have a solution to its busted McFlurry machine problem

    McDonald’s restaurants finally have a solution to its busted McFlurry machine problem

    [ad_1]

    NEW YORK — A broken McDonald’s McFlurry machine, arguably one of life’s greatest nuisances, has finally been solved thanks to a court ruling.

    McDonald’s franchises haven’t been able to fix the soft serve ice cream machines on their own because manufacturing company Taylor owns the copyright and exclusive rights to fix the machines – until now.

    The United States Copyright Office granted a copyright exemption last week that gives restaurants the “right to repair” the machines by bypassing the digital locks that prevented them from being fixed. The inability to make timely fixes has been a bane of the customers’ existence, so much so, that there’s a third-party website called McBroken.com that tracks their availability.

    The exemption, which goes into effect Monday, was requested by advocacy group Public Knowledge and repairs website iFixIt to allow third parties to circumvent digital locks on the machines for repairs. Although the full request wasn’t granted, commercial restaurant equipment received a narrow exemption.

    Public Knowledge and iFixIt teamed together on the issue after the latter group broke apart an ice cream machine and found “lots of easily replaceable parts.”

    The decision will lead to an “overdue shake-up of the commercial food prep industry,” according to Meredith Rose, senior policy counsel at Public Knowledge.

    “There’s nothing vanilla about this victory; an exemption for retail-level commercial food preparation equipment will spark a flurry of third-party repair activity and enable businesses to better serve their customers,” Rose said in a statement.

    McDonald’s and Taylor didn’t immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment.

    Broken ice cream machines have been such a blemish on McDonald’s reputation that even competitors mock them for it. And perhaps a fix can’t come quick enough: Nearly 15% of ice cream machines are broken as of Monday, according to McBroken.

    The-CNN-Wire & 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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    CNNWire

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  • What we know about the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak investigation

    What we know about the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak investigation

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    An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has led to at least 49 illnesses across 10 states, including one death.Here’s what we know.Quarter Pounders made people sickThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert on Tuesday warning that dozens of people reported eating the Quarter Pounder sandwich at McDonald’s before becoming sick.A specific ingredient has not yet been confirmed as the source of the outbreak, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that the slivered onions or beef patties on Quarter Pounder sandwiches are the likely source of contamination.McDonald’s has stopped using the onions as well as quarter-pound beef patties in several states including Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, as well as portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma while the investigation continues, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.According to the agency, the beef patties are used only for the Quarter Pounders, and the slivered onions are used primarily for the Quarter Pounder and not other items. Diced onions and other types of beef patties used at McDonald’s have not been implicated in this outbreak, the FDA said.E. coli infections can be seriousEscherichia coli, or E. coli, is a common bacteria, but certain types can make you sick. Infections can occur after swallowing the bacteria, often after eating contaminated food or water. It can also spread from person to person through poor bathroom hygiene.People with E. coli infections may have symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Symptoms of infection usually begin three or four days after swallowing the bacteria.Although most people who become ill recover without treatment within a week, others can develop serious kidney problems and require hospitalization. Seniors, children younger than 5 and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of infection, according to the CDC.E. coli infections from the McDonald’s outbreak have led to at least 10 hospitalizations, including a child who had hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can develop from an E. coli infection. One older person has died.Most of the illnesses related to the McDonald’s outbreak are in Colorado and Nebraska, according to the CDC, but the agency notes that the outbreak may go beyond those states. Illnesses have also been reported in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.The CDC recommends that people call their doctor if they have recently eaten a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and are experiencing severe E. coli symptoms such as a fever higher than 102 and diarrhea, particularly bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that has not improved in three days, vomiting that limits liquid intake or signs of dehydration.A ‘fast-moving’ investigationIt can take weeks to determine if an illness is part of an outbreak, but the CDC said the investigation into the McDonald’s outbreak is “fast-moving.”The agency said the outbreak is expected grow, with new cases being reported “on a rolling basis” as scientists are able to make genetic linkages between the outbreak strain and the bacteria that are causing human infections.The onset of illnesses associated with the outbreak have been reported from Sept. 27 to Oct. 11, according to CDC data. But the start date of the outbreak is likely to shift too as past cases come to light, according to an official with knowledge of the investigation.Outbreaks like these can also wind down quickly after the tainted food or ingredient is removed from the market. That requires a thorough investigation to make sure all possible channels of distribution have been uncovered and stopped.Changes at McDonald’sThe president of McDonald’s USA said that it’s safe to eat at McDonald’s and that affected ingredients are probably out of the supply chain at restaurants.”We are very confident that you can go to McDonald’s and enjoy our classics” without getting sick, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger said on NBC’s “Today Show” on Wednesday.Quarter Pounder sandwiches will temporarily be removed from the McDonald’s menu in some states while the company makes some supply changes, according to the CDC.Erlinger said he believes that “if there has been contaminated product within our supply chain, it’s very likely worked itself through that supply chain already,” but he acknowledged that the number of illnesses reported may rise as the CDC investigates and traces cases.”Serving customers safely in every single restaurant, each and every day, is our top priority,” McDonald’s said in a statement Tuesday.A fact sheet from the company highlights food safety protocols that it says are in place, including daily temperature checks and hourly handwashing for employees. It also notes that Quarter Pounders are cooked to order to temperatures that exceed the FDA’s code on best practices.Foodborne illness is on the riseCDC data released this summer shows that foodborne illness is on the rise in the U.S. A few illnesses, including E. coli infections, are well above federal targets for reducing foodborne illness.There were more than 5 E. coli illnesses for every 100,000 people in the U.S. in 2023 – a 25% increase from five years earlier and about 40% higher than target rates.The Campylobacter bacteria is the most common pathogen causing foodborne illness, with more than 19 illnesses for every 100,000 people – a rate that’s 22% higher than five years ago and twice as high as federal goals. Infections from this bacteria are most commonly caused by eating raw or undercooked poultry, according to the CDC, and it can make people ill with diarrhea.Salmonella infections haven’t increased in recent years, but the bacteria still caused about 14 illnesses for every 100,000 people in the U.S. in 2023.Listeria caused about 0.3 illnesses for every 100,000 people in the U.S. in 2023, according to data from the CDC, but has led to a few large, deadly outbreaks this year.Boar’s Head issued a recall in late July for more than 7.2 million pounds of its ready-to-eat liverwurst and some other deli meat products, leading to dozens of hospitalizations and at least nine deaths, and another recall of nearly 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry items made by BrucePac has affected schools, retailers and restaurants nationwide.CNN’s Nadia Kounang, Carma Hassan, Brenda Goodman and Meg Tirrell contributed to this report.

    An E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders has led to at least 49 illnesses across 10 states, including one death.

    Here’s what we know.

    Quarter Pounders made people sick

    The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a food safety alert on Tuesday warning that dozens of people reported eating the Quarter Pounder sandwich at McDonald’s before becoming sick.

    A specific ingredient has not yet been confirmed as the source of the outbreak, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that the slivered onions or beef patties on Quarter Pounder sandwiches are the likely source of contamination.

    McDonald’s has stopped using the onions as well as quarter-pound beef patties in several states including Colorado, Kansas, Utah and Wyoming, as well as portions of Idaho, Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico and Oklahoma while the investigation continues, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

    According to the agency, the beef patties are used only for the Quarter Pounders, and the slivered onions are used primarily for the Quarter Pounder and not other items. Diced onions and other types of beef patties used at McDonald’s have not been implicated in this outbreak, the FDA said.

    E. coli infections can be serious

    Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is a common bacteria, but certain types can make you sick. Infections can occur after swallowing the bacteria, often after eating contaminated food or water. It can also spread from person to person through poor bathroom hygiene.

    People with E. coli infections may have symptoms including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Symptoms of infection usually begin three or four days after swallowing the bacteria.

    Although most people who become ill recover without treatment within a week, others can develop serious kidney problems and require hospitalization. Seniors, children younger than 5 and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk of infection, according to the CDC.

    E. coli infections from the McDonald’s outbreak have led to at least 10 hospitalizations, including a child who had hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that can develop from an E. coli infection. One older person has died.

    Most of the illnesses related to the McDonald’s outbreak are in Colorado and Nebraska, according to the CDC, but the agency notes that the outbreak may go beyond those states. Illnesses have also been reported in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

    The CDC recommends that people call their doctor if they have recently eaten a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder and are experiencing severe E. coli symptoms such as a fever higher than 102 and diarrhea, particularly bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that has not improved in three days, vomiting that limits liquid intake or signs of dehydration.

    A ‘fast-moving’ investigation

    It can take weeks to determine if an illness is part of an outbreak, but the CDC said the investigation into the McDonald’s outbreak is “fast-moving.”

    The agency said the outbreak is expected grow, with new cases being reported “on a rolling basis” as scientists are able to make genetic linkages between the outbreak strain and the bacteria that are causing human infections.

    The onset of illnesses associated with the outbreak have been reported from Sept. 27 to Oct. 11, according to CDC data. But the start date of the outbreak is likely to shift too as past cases come to light, according to an official with knowledge of the investigation.

    Outbreaks like these can also wind down quickly after the tainted food or ingredient is removed from the market. That requires a thorough investigation to make sure all possible channels of distribution have been uncovered and stopped.

    Changes at McDonald’s

    The president of McDonald’s USA said that it’s safe to eat at McDonald’s and that affected ingredients are probably out of the supply chain at restaurants.

    “We are very confident that you can go to McDonald’s and enjoy our classics” without getting sick, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger said on NBC’s “Today Show” on Wednesday.

    Quarter Pounder sandwiches will temporarily be removed from the McDonald’s menu in some states while the company makes some supply changes, according to the CDC.

    Erlinger said he believes that “if there has been contaminated product within our supply chain, it’s very likely worked itself through that supply chain already,” but he acknowledged that the number of illnesses reported may rise as the CDC investigates and traces cases.

    “Serving customers safely in every single restaurant, each and every day, is our top priority,” McDonald’s said in a statement Tuesday.

    A fact sheet from the company highlights food safety protocols that it says are in place, including daily temperature checks and hourly handwashing for employees. It also notes that Quarter Pounders are cooked to order to temperatures that exceed the FDA’s code on best practices.

    Foodborne illness is on the rise

    CDC data released this summer shows that foodborne illness is on the rise in the U.S. A few illnesses, including E. coli infections, are well above federal targets for reducing foodborne illness.

    There were more than 5 E. coli illnesses for every 100,000 people in the U.S. in 2023 – a 25% increase from five years earlier and about 40% higher than target rates.

    The Campylobacter bacteria is the most common pathogen causing foodborne illness, with more than 19 illnesses for every 100,000 people – a rate that’s 22% higher than five years ago and twice as high as federal goals. Infections from this bacteria are most commonly caused by eating raw or undercooked poultry, according to the CDC, and it can make people ill with diarrhea.

    Salmonella infections haven’t increased in recent years, but the bacteria still caused about 14 illnesses for every 100,000 people in the U.S. in 2023.

    Listeria caused about 0.3 illnesses for every 100,000 people in the U.S. in 2023, according to data from the CDC, but has led to a few large, deadly outbreaks this year.

    Boar’s Head issued a recall in late July for more than 7.2 million pounds of its ready-to-eat liverwurst and some other deli meat products, leading to dozens of hospitalizations and at least nine deaths, and another recall of nearly 12 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry items made by BrucePac has affected schools, retailers and restaurants nationwide.

    CNN’s Nadia Kounang, Carma Hassan, Brenda Goodman and Meg Tirrell contributed to this report.

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  • McDonald’s Reveals Friends-Themed Happy Meal to Celebrate Show’s 30th Anniversary

    McDonald’s Reveals Friends-Themed Happy Meal to Celebrate Show’s 30th Anniversary

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    Ever since its small-screen debut in 1994, Friends has gone on to become a bonafide cultural phenomenon. Despite its age-old release, the sitcom continues to bring in significant viewership across different streaming platforms. As such, fans have heartily celebrated the 30th anniversary since Friends first premiered on NBC. In a bid to commemorate the special occasion, certain McDonald’s outlets have decided to launch a dedicated Friends adult Happy Meal box.

    McDonald’s Spain to celebrate Friends’ 30th anniversary with special Happy Meal box

    McDonald’s outlets in Spain have launched a unique Happy Meal to honor Friends’ 30th anniversary.

    As reported by Deadline, the special edition combo would allow consumers to collect figurines of the show’s central characters. Instead of containing toys from their usual roster, McDonald’s Spain’s newly launched Happy Meal box would carry figurines of all the six Friends.

    The specifically curated combo pack also comes with an array of burger options. Interested buyers can choose from a varied selection of Big Mac, Quarter Pound, McRoyal Delux, CBO, or McChicken, alongside the standard fries and a beverage. Additionally, McDonald’s has included a special sauce, known as Monica’s Marinara, in their freshly released Friends Happy Meal box.

    McDonald’s Spain announced their collaboration with the beloved series in a fun ad spot. The fast-food giants then took to social media to share the clip with the general public. Furthermore, they added an extra touch to their announcement video by staging one of their outlets as the iconic Central Perk coffee shop from Friends. At the time of writing, it is unknown if McDonald’s plans to launch the said Happy Meal in the US as well.

    On the content front, Max is conducting a game show to celebrate the 30th premiere anniversary of Friends. Renowned comedian Whitney Cummings has been recruited to host the show, which is set to be a four-part event.

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    Apoorv Rastogi

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  • McDonald’s McFlurry Gets A Fresh Look And New Mini Size

    McDonald’s McFlurry Gets A Fresh Look And New Mini Size

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    The McDonald’s McFlurry is getting a fresh new look. The fast-food chain announced they’re ditching the classic plastic lid and rolling out a new “four-flap” cup. It’s all part of McDonald’s push to go green and become more eco-friendly, and the new packaging will be hitting restaurants nationwide starting September 10.

    Some people reacted to the McFlurry changes on social media. One person pointed out that this was already a thing in some parts of the world, saying “We’ve had that cup in Europe for more than ten years.” Someone else jokingly said, “Looks like a tube of deodorant.”

    But that’s not all. McFlurry lovers will soon have a new way to enjoy their favorite frozen treat, as McDonald’s introduces a Mini McFlurry alongside the regular size. “The Mini McFlurry is heading to participating U.S. restaurants nationwide and will be available on the McDonald’s App and via McDelivery starting Sept. 10,” said a statement from McDonald’s USA.

    “Got a friend who always wants ‘just a bite’? Instead of grabbing an extra spoon, you can grab them a Mini McFlurry of their own. Or maybe you’re looking for a quick afternoon pick-me-up… the Mini McFlurry is perfect for you, too,” stated the company.

    The mini version will come in the new sustainable packaging, just like the regular size. This follows McDonald’s decision in October 2023 to retire their iconic McFlurry spoons. Those hollow spoons, often mistaken for straws, weren’t just for scooping though. They also worked as a spindle to swirl the toppings.

    The new spoon design features a “smaller black spoon that uses less plastic,” according to McDonald’s. Unsurprisingly, not everyone was thrilled. Reddit users were quick to share their thoughts on the change. One person said, “Already gone to wooden spoons in Canada. Makes a McFlurry about 30% less enjoyable.” Another chimed in, “The plastic spoon was the only thing allowing me to eat these, now they use a shared mixer with nuts.”

    Despite the mixed reactions, McDonald’s is committed to reducing single-use plastic waste, saying that even small steps can make a big difference. In July, McDonald’s launched the limited-edition Kit Kat Banana Split McFlurry, packed with vanilla soft serve, real banana bits, strawberry clusters, and Kit Kat pieces. And earlier in May, they introduced the Grandma McFlurry, filled with “delicious syrup,” crunchy candy (“just like grandma’s purse candy!”), and classic vanilla soft serve.

    McDonald’s has been on a roll with McFlurry flavors, including the Strawberry Shortcake McFlurry in April and the Peanut Butter Crunch McFlurry in August. Who knows what delicious creation they’ll whip up next?

    Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She’s made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it.

    She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel.

    A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community.

    She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.

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    Kayla Morgan

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  • Hello Kitty x ‘Yu-Gi-Oh’ Is Coming … as a McDonald’s Happy Meal

    Hello Kitty x ‘Yu-Gi-Oh’ Is Coming … as a McDonald’s Happy Meal

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    Everything from the early 2000s is making a comeback, including Sanrio and Yu-Gi-Oh, in the form of McDonald’s Happy Meals. Who would’ve thought Sanrio characters dressed as Yu-Gi-Oh monsters would still look absolutely cute?

    I didn’t expect the Blue-Eyes White Dragon card to ever look cute, but Cinnamoroll can make anything look adorable. But several of Hello Kitty’s friends will be making even the creepiest monster cards look cute in this collaboration. Even the Forbidden One looks as squishable as Pompompurin.

    These ten Sanrio x Yu-Gi-Oh Happy Meals will be made available in 55 different countries. This collaboration is expected to hit the US on August 20, 2024.

    Hello Kitty and Friends x ‘Yu-Gi-Oh’

    Sanrio character yu-gi-oh Monster
    Hello Kitty Dark Magician
    Bad Batz-maru Red-Eyes Black Dragon
    Cinnamoroll Blue-Eyes White Dragon
    Kuromi Slifer the Sky Dragon
    My Melody Dark Magician Girl
    Pompompurin Exodia the Forbidden One
    Kerokerokeroppi Kuriboh
    Chococat The Winged Dragon of Ra
    Pocchaco Time Wizard
    Tuxedosam Obelisk the Tormentor

    Everybody’s been raving about how cute Hello Kitty and Friends are in this collaboration, but nobody’s been talking about what these toys exactly are. These little collectibles are small plushies you can bring around with you. They don’t come with hooks, so you can put them in pockets or hang them on your bag with a clear case.

    The only crime this collaboration committed is that Gudetama is absent from this lineup. Sanrio missed the golden opportunity to dress Gudetama, everyone’s favorite lazy egg, as a Yu-Gi-Oh Monster Egg. For that reason, I’ll have to pass on this collab.

    The Mary Sue is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

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    Vanessa Esguerra

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  • McDonald’s Amex Offer: Save Up to $15 with Mobile Orders

    McDonald’s Amex Offer: Save Up to $15 with Mobile Orders

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    McDonald's Amex Offer

    McDonald’s Amex Offer

    Check your American Express credit cards for a new Amex Offer that can save you up to $15 at McDonald’s. You can find this offer in your Amex consumer and business credit cards. Check out the full details of the offer below.

    Offer Details

    Here are the details of this McDonald’s Amex Offer:

    • Get a $5 statement credit by using your enrolled eligible Card to make a single purchase of $15 or more at McDonald’s.
    • Must use McDonald’s Mobile Order & Pay via the McDonald’s mobile app
    • Offer expires on 9/27/2024.
    • Limit of 3 statement credits (total of $15).

    Important Terms

    • Offer valid only on food orders paid for through the McDonald’s mobile app for in-store, drive-thru, curbside pick-up or delivery service booked through the McDonald’s app.
    • Valid at participating McDonald’s locations in the US that offer Mobile Order & Pay.
    • Excludes orders placed for delivery through third party apps.
    • Not valid for any other purchases made in-store, online, or through third party services.
    • Qualifying purchases must be made directly through the McDonald’s mobile app. You must first load your Card to the app using a compatible device in order to qualify. 

    About Amex Offers

    Amex Offers are an extra perk on all American Express credit cards, charge cards, and even prepaid cards. You can see these offers in your accounts either as a statement credit or extra Membership Rewards points for spending a certain amount at an eligible merchant. You will need to add the offer to a specific card, and then use that card to get the credit. Here are a few things you should know:

    Guru’s Wrap-up

    This is a good offer that seems to be widely available for most cardholders. Check your accounts and add it now if you think you might use it. You will save $5 when you spend $15 or more on a mobile order, and you can repeat this three times.

    Use the social media buttons below to share this article. Your support and engagement is always greatly appreciated.

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    DDG

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  • Marketing Takes Off and Obesity Soars  | NutritionFacts.org

    Marketing Takes Off and Obesity Soars  | NutritionFacts.org

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    The unprecedented rise in the power, scope, and sophistication of food marketing starting around 1980 aligns well with the blastoff slope of the obesity epidemic.

    In the 1970s, the U.S. government went from just subsidizing some of the worst foods to paying companies to make more of them: “Congress passed laws reversing long-standing farm policies aimed at protecting prices by limiting production” and started giving payouts in proportion to output. Extra calories started pouring into the food supply.

    Then Jack Welch gave a speech. In 1981, the CEO of General Electric effectively launched the “shareholder value movement,” reorienting the primary goal of corporations towards maximizing short-term returns for investors. This placed extraordinary pressure from Wall Street on food companies to post increasing profit growth every quarter to boost their share price. There was already a glut of calories on the market and now they had to sell even more.

    This placed food and beverage CEOs in an impossible bind. It’s not like they’re rubbing their sticky hands together at the thought of luring more Hansels and Gretels to their doom in their houses of candy. Food giants couldn’t do the right thing even if they wanted. They are beholden to investors. If they stopped marketing to kids or tried to sell healthier food or did anything else that could jeopardize their quarterly profit growth, Wall Street would demand a change in management. Healthy eating is bad for business. It’s not some grand conspiracy; it’s not even anyone’s fault. It’s just how the system works.

    As I discuss in my video The Role of Marketing in the Obesity Epidemic, given the constant demands for corporate growth and rapid returns in an already oversaturated marketplace, the food industry needed to get people to eat more. Like the tobacco industry before them, it turned to the ad makers. The food industry spends about $10 billion a year on advertising and around another $20 billion on other forms of marketing, such as trade shows, consumer promotions, incentives, and supermarket “slotting fees.” Food and beverage companies purchase shelf space from supermarkets to prominently display their most profitable products. They pay supermarkets. The practice is also known as “cliffing,” because companies “force suppliers to bid against each other for shelf space with the loser pushed ‘over the cliff.’” With slotting fees costing up to $20,000 per item, per retailer, and per city, you can imagine what types of foods get the special treatment. Hint: It ain’t broccoli.

    To get a sense of what kind of products merit prime shelf real estate, look no further than the checkout aisle. “Merchandising the power categories on every lane is critical,” reads a trade publication on the “best practices for superior checkout merchandising.” It was referring to candy bars and beverages. Just a 1 percent power category boost in sales could earn a store an extra $15,000 a year. It’s not that publicly traded companies don’t care about their customers’ health. They might, but like most of the leading grocery store chains, their “primary fiduciary responsibility is to increase profits” above other considerations.

    For instance, tens of millions of dollars are spent annually advertising a single brand of candy bar. McDonald’s alone may spend billions a year. Now, “the food industry is the biggest spender on advertising of any major sector of the economy.”

    “Reagan-era deregulatory policies removed limits on television marketing of food products to children.” Now, the average child may see more than 10,000 TV food ads a year, and that’s on top of “the marketing content online, in print, at school, at the movies, in video games, or at school,” or even on their phones. “Nearly all food marketing to children worldwide promotes products that can adversely affect their health.”

    Besides the massive early exposure and ubiquity, food marketing has become “highly sophisticated. With the help of child psychologists, companies began to understand the factors that unconsciously influenced sales. They found out, for example, how to influence children and get them to manipulate their parents.” Packaging was designed to best attract a child’s attention, and then those products are placed at their eye level in the store. You know those mirrored bubbles in the ceilings of supermarkets? They aren’t just for shoplifters. Closed-circuit cameras and GPS-like devices on shopping carts are used to strategize how best to guide shoppers toward the market’s most profitable products. Behavioral psychology is widely applied to increase impulse buying, and eye movement tracking technologies are utilized.

    The “unprecedented expansion in the scope, power, and ubiquity of food marketing…coincided with an unprecedented expansion in food consumption in predictable ways.” Some techniques have “skyrocket[ed] from essentially zero to multi-billion-dollar industries” since the 1980s, including “product placement, in-school advertising, event sponsorships.” This led one noted economist to conclude that “the most compelling single interpretation of the admittedly incomplete data we have is that the large increase in obesity is due to marketing.” Yes, innovations in manufacturing and political maneuvering led to a food supply bursting at the seams with close to 4,000 calories a day for us all, but it’s the advances in marketing manipulations that try to peddle that surplus into our mouths. 

    I think the natural reaction to the suggestion of the power of marketing is: I’m too smart to fall for that. Marketing works on other people, but I can see through it. But that’s what everyone thinks! For a splash of cold water to shake us all out of this delusion, I next bring you some data: The Role of Food Advertisements in the Obesity Epidemic. 

    Also, for both the role of marketing and food advertisements, check out Friday Favorites: The Role of Marketing and Food Advertisements in the Obesity Epidemic.

    This is the seventh in an 11-video series. If you missed any of the first six, check out the related posts below. 

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    Michael Greger M.D. FACLM

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  • Highlights From The Heritage Foundation’s ‘Project 2025’

    Highlights From The Heritage Foundation’s ‘Project 2025’

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    Several high-ranking members of Donald Trump’s former administration recently released a stunning, highly detailed document outlining how they would overhaul the federal government should he be reelected president. The following are the biggest takeaways from the Heritage Foundation’s 922-page political playbook designed to bolster Trump’s power.

    Google Announces Everyone’s Got To Chill With These Depressing Inquiries

    Immigration through Ticketmaster: By privatizing immigration, it ensures all immigrants pay the service fee, order processing fee, and the occasional surge pricing fees.
    Dog militia: Every dog will receive a firearm to defend their country from tyrannical oppression.
    A must-try pesto recipe: Included on page 635 of the manifesto is a step-by-step guide for recreating Heritage Foundation president Kevin Roberts’ irresistible family pasta sauce.
    Official designation of the president as “America’s dad”: Project 2025 includes a chart showing the proposed family tree of the country, which would make Donald Trump the dad and all Americans his kids.
    Replace 30,000 federal employees with Eric Trump: He’ll run the Departments of Energy, Interior, and Labor while the Defense and the Joint Chiefs will be replaced by Tiffany.
    Mandatory embassy status for every McDonald’s: All franchises would be extraterritorial, sovereign lands of the United States of America, regardless of location.
    Bring back Gulags: But with a more American sounding name.

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  • Video shows masked gunman opening fire in McDonald’s in the Bronx

    Video shows masked gunman opening fire in McDonald’s in the Bronx

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    ALLERTON, Bronx (WABC) — Detectives have recovered video of a masked gunman opening fire inside a McDonald’s in the Bronx — striking two boys, ages 12 and 13.

    It happened just before 10 p.m. at the restaurant at 2516 White Plains Rd.

    The video shows the suspect walking into the store, exchanging words with the two boys before firing at least six shots.

    Based on the video, the boys appear to be the intended targets, although the motive is unclear.

    A 12-year-old boy was struck in his back and left leg. The 13 year old was shot in the left thigh.

    Both are stable at Jacobi Hospital.

    Police say the suspect ran away on Mace Avenue toward Bronx Park East.

    The suspect was last seen wearing a black medical mask and a black hoodie with a pink logo on it.

    ALSO READ | Man suspected of driving drunk in deadly nail salon crash arraigned as community mourns victims

    Lucy Yang was at the vigil, where hundreds came to mourn the victims.

    ———-

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    WABC

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  • Unbelievable facts

    Unbelievable facts

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    The first McDonald’s drive-through was created in 1975 in Sierra Vista, Arizona, near Fort…

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  • McDonald’s CFO: Bigger Burgers, More Meat Testing This Year | Entrepreneur

    McDonald’s CFO: Bigger Burgers, More Meat Testing This Year | Entrepreneur

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    After months of testing and teasing dozens of modifications to its original burger, McDonald’s is now revealing one massive change that customers will notice — the size.

    In a Tuesday call with analysts, McDonald’s Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden announced that the chain will be testing a larger burger this year in select markets.

    “As we look to further build on our leadership in beef, our team of chefs from around the world have created a larger satiating burger,” Borden said during the call. “We’ll be testing this burger in a few markets later this year ensuring that it has universal appeal before scaling it across the globe.”

    Related: McDonald’s Is Completely Changing Its Burgers in 2024

    This isn’t surprising news for McDonald’s, as Borden hinted at the UBS Global Consumer and Retail Conference last month that he believed there was a “significant” opportunity to create a larger-sized offering and noted the chain has attempted to do so in the past.

    In the mid-90s, McDonald’s attempted to create “premium” burgers with different toppings and offerings (such as the Arch Deluxe, for example), instead of simply making a larger patty.

    “We tried to get after this opportunity for a number of years because we thought the opportunity was about premium burger,” Borden said last month. “We weren’t successful.”

    It’s been a long time coming for the chain, which laid out a massive growth plan in December that included creating a new version of its burgers with an estimated 50 modifications. The changes were first tested in Australia and select West Coast and Midwest markets in 2023.

    Other changes included swapping the Big Mac’s sesame seed bun with “buttery brioche” and each burger coming with more of the cult-favorite “special sauce.”

    McDonald’s reported positive Q1 2024 earnings on Tuesday, a 2% quarterly jump in global comparable sales growth, which marks the chain’s 13th consecutive quarter of comparable sales growth.

    Related: McDonald’s in Connecticut Goes Viral For Astronomical Prices

    “As consumers are more discriminating with every dollar that they spend, we will continue to earn their visits by delivering leading, reliable, everyday value and outstanding execution in our restaurants,” said CEO Chris Kempczinski.

    McDonald’s was down just over 8% as of Tuesday afternoon.

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    Emily Rella

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  • Krispy Kreme doughnuts are coming to McDonald’s

    Krispy Kreme doughnuts are coming to McDonald’s

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    New York (CNN) — McDonald’s customers can soon pair Krispy Kreme doughnuts with their morning McCafe, in a new food partnership that seeks to expand both brands but that could wind up weakening them instead.

    Three types of Krispy Kreme doughnuts — original glazed, chocolate iced with sprinkles and chocolate iced “kreme” filled — will go on sale at McDonald’s restaurants starting later this year, the companies told CNN on Monday.

    Krispy Kreme shares jumped roughly 18% on Tuesday morning. McDonald’s shares lost 0.2%.

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    CNN

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  • McDonald’s: Free Medium Fries Via App (1/31/24) – Doctor Of Credit

    McDonald’s: Free Medium Fries Via App (1/31/24) – Doctor Of Credit

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    Update 1/31/24: Available again today only, no idea why as it’s not national fries day.

    The Offer

    Direct link to offer

    • McDonald’s is offering free medium fries via app

    Our Verdict

    Today is national fries day, not sure if anybody else is offering any freebies or not.

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    William Charles

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  • McDonald’s fan-favorite Double Big Mac makes long-awaited but limited return

    McDonald’s fan-favorite Double Big Mac makes long-awaited but limited return

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    McDonald’s on Tuesday announced it’s bringing back its gut-busting Double Big Mac after nearly four years off the menu.

    “Did someone order a glow up?” the fast-food giant asked in a press release. “McDonald’s legendary Big Mac is getting bigger (and saucier) in 2024.”

    The supersized burger — featuring four beef patties instead of the usual two, and more Big Mac sauce — will be sold again at participating restaurants nationwide for a limited time starting Jan. 24. The Double Big Mac includes regular Big Mac toppings such as pickles, shredded lettuce, chopped onions and American cheese, but is being billed as “double the fun.”

    It reportedly boasts 740 calories.

    The Double Big Mac was first introduced in March 2020 just before the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, right before many businesses were force to start cutting back hours and menu offerings, according to CNN.

    McDonald’s hasn’t announced how much the Double Big Mac will cost, which restaurants will carry it, or exactly how long it’ll stick around.

    Last month, CEO Chris Kempczinski told CNN that customers were craving bigger burgers, and teased that the chain was working to address that demand.

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    Brian Niemietz

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  • What happened to McDonald’s Clown Mascot Ronald McDonald?

    What happened to McDonald’s Clown Mascot Ronald McDonald?

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    Why did McDonald get rid of Ronald McDonald?What happened to McDonald’s Clown Mascot Ronald…

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  • Cheney Offers to Waterboard Trump – Ralph Lombard, Humor Times

    Cheney Offers to Waterboard Trump – Ralph Lombard, Humor Times

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    Ex-Congresswoman wants to waterboard Trump to ‘get at the truth’ about January 6th.

    In a less-publicized section of Liz Cheney’s tell-all expose “Oath and Honor,” the former US Congresswoman explains how she’d personally deal with Donald Trump.

    waterboard Trump
    Like father, like daughter: Liz Cheney wants to waterboard Trump.

    “I’d waterboard him,” she writes. “Donald Trump is, without a doubt, the gravest threat this country has ever faced. And I mean ever! Far greater than Bin Laden ever was, far greater than Lee Harvey Oswald, or Fidel Castro, or Jefferson Davis, or John Wilkes Booth, or Benedict Arnold, or even Hitler himself. And if that doesn’t justify enhanced interrogation techniques, I don’t know what does!

    “I think that if I was allowed just five minutes alone with him at an undisclosed location in Guantanamo Bay for a heart-to-heart chat — well, I just think that would go a long way towards helping bring out the real truth about Trump’s involvement in the January 6th insurrection. As a matter of fact, if I’m any judge of character, it might only take ten or fifteen seconds.”

    In a later chapter Cheney reveals what she thinks would be the proper punishment for Trump’s many crimes.

    “When Trump gets sent to prison — I mean if Trump gets sent to prison, ha-ha– he certainly should not be given a free ride. Hopefully by that time he’ll be financially ruined and completely penniless, and absolutely dependent on the good will of all the people he’s thrown under the bus over the years. Which is to say, he’ll be all alone.

    “This will force him to engage in demeaning outsourced manual labor to pay for his keep in prison. Fast-food employment might well be considered. Of course working at McDonald’s would be more of a reward than a punishment, but I think that working at Taco Bell as, say, the toilet cleaning boy, might be entirely appropriate. And we’d even give him three free meals a day of all the tacos he could eat, washed down with plenty of genuine imported Mexican water.

    “On the weekends Trump could be locked in a pillory in the prison exercise yard for gala celebrations. The festivities could begin with a “dangerous fruit” throwing contest for the children, followed by a thousand-dollar-a-plate fund-raiser, where participants get to break the plates over Trump’s head. Ten thousand dollar kicks in the ass would also be available. The grand finale could be an auction, with a minimum bid of one hundred thousand dollars, where one lucky lady gets to grab Trump by the bells (sic), and wring them for thirty seconds!”

    Ralph LombardRalph Lombard
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    Ralph Lombard

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  • CosMc’s: McDonald’s Cosmic Flavor Revolution Is Here In Chicago

    CosMc’s: McDonald’s Cosmic Flavor Revolution Is Here In Chicago

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    Taste has a new address here in Chicago that comes straight from the world’s popular hamburger chain—McDonald’s. Brace yourselves, food enthusiasts, because the golden arches have unveiled their latest experiment, and it’s called CosMc’s. Picture this: a hyped-up, mysterious spinoff restaurant that promises a journey into the realm of beverage exploration and a nostalgic dive into a retro-inspired menu. Today marks the official opening of CosMc’s in the charming town of Bolingbrook, Illinois, and it’s not your average fast-food venture.

    Boba And More Await At McDonald’s CosMc’s

    This limited test location is just the beginning, with whispers of additional outposts popping up in the coming months. If you’re wondering what makes CosMc’s stand out, let’s talk about its menu—where innovation meets familiarity. Picture yourself sipping on specialty lemonades and teas, diving into indulgent blended beverages, and chilling with some seriously cool cold coffee options. We’re talking Sour Cherry Energy Slush, Tropical Spiceade, and S’mores Cold Brew. But wait, there’s more—customize your drink with popping Boba, flavor syrups, energy or Vitamin C shots, and other surprises.

    Now, onto the food front. CosMc’s brings the flavor with offerings like the Spicy Queso Sandwich, Savory Hash Brown Bites, and Pretzel Bites served with dipping sauces that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat—Blueberry Lemon Cookie Sundae and Caramel Fudge Brownies are just a glimpse into the sweet side of things. And yes, you guessed it, a few McDonald’s classics have made their way onto the menu, adding a dash of familiarity to this cosmic culinary experience.

    CosMc’s Is Open For Customers During Regular Business Hours

    “Inspired by nostalgia and powered by a menu of bold, refreshing beverages and tasty treats, CosMc’s is landing earthside for us humans to enjoy,” declares the official release. The doors swung open at 6 a.m. on December 8, kicking off a weekend of celebrations where patrons can dive into this exciting fusion of old-school charm and cutting-edge flavors. While the festivities will continue through 8 p.m., the regular business hours are set from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. for those looking to make CosMc’s a regular stop on their gastronomic adventures.

    So, if you’re ready to embark on a taste journey that transcends the ordinary, head over to CosMc’s in Bolingbrook. McDonald’s has just taken a bold step into the cosmos of culinary delights, and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. CosMc’s—it’s not just a restaurant; it’s a cosmic flavor adventure!

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    Pia

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