McDonald’s is set to enhance its burger offerings with a series of upgrades aimed at improving the taste and overall experience of its iconic menu items. The fast-food giant has announced that changes will include softer buns, meltier cheese, and grilled onions added directly to the patties. Additionally, customers can expect an increase in the amount of Big Mac sauce served with their burgers.
Chef Chad Schafer, senior director of culinary innovation at McDonald’s USA, highlighted the significance of these adjustments, stating that even minor tweaks like adjusting grill settings and cheese melting techniques can significantly enhance flavor. These improvements will apply to several popular items, including the Big Mac, McDouble, classic cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, and hamburger.
The changes, which have already been implemented in select international markets, are gradually rolling out in the United States, with cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, Phoenix, and Las Vegas already experiencing the upgrades. McDonald’s plans to make these enhancements available nationwide by early next year.
This latest initiative follows a trend at McDonald’s to focus on refining its core menu items rather than introducing numerous new products. The company has previously made significant changes, such as switching to fresh beef for its Quarter Pounders in 2018 and launching a new crispy chicken sandwich in 2021, both of which have positively impacted sales. In fact, during a January analyst call, CEO Chris Kempczinski reported a 5.9% increase in sales at U.S. stores open for at least 13 months in the fourth quarter of 2022.
McDonald’s strategy of promoting its classic items is designed to streamline kitchen operations and enhance customer satisfaction. The brand has utilized various promotional campaigns, including celebrity meal collaborations and the introduction of an adult Happy Meal, to generate excitement around its staple offerings.
Other fast-food chains are also focusing on improving their core products. Burger King, for instance, has been working to enhance the Whopper and increase its visibility in advertising, which has reportedly contributed to higher sales in recent months.
As McDonald’s continues to innovate and refine its menu, the company aims to maintain its competitive edge in the fast-food industry by prioritizing the quality and appeal of its most beloved items.