McDonald’s is the biggest fast-food chain in the country.
But the patience of its loyal customers is starting to wear thin.
And McDonald’s CEO made a big announcement after fans gave him this scary message.
McDonald’s responds to customer complaints about high prices
Americans are being hammered by rising prices after President Joe Biden unleashed the worst inflation in nearly 40 years.
Fast food, which was a cheap treat, has seen prices surge since he took office.
McDonald’s is dealing with growing complaints from customers on social media about its price increases.
A viral photo of an $18 Big Mac meal at a Connecticut rest area sparked a debate on the rising price of fast food.
The cost of a Big Mac meal has gone up 103.5%, and a Happy Meal is up 140.6% since Biden entered the Oval Office in January 2021.
Surging labor and food costs are the main drivers of price increases.
California and other states have hiked their minimum wage, with California’s hitting $20 an hour for fast workers and $83,200 a year for fast food managers.
McDonald’s is responding by running a $5 Meal Deal promotion for about the next month.
Customers can pick from a McDouble or McChicken, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, and a small soft drink for $5.
McDonald’s vows to bring more value to customers
McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger said that the beloved chain heard the message its fans were sending.
“We heard our fans loud and clear – they’re looking for even more great value from us, and this summer, that’s exactly what they’ll get,” Erlinger said.
“Value has always been part of our DNA,” Erlinger continued. “We’re focused on living up to that legacy and offering delicious, affordable options customers can enjoy any time they walk through our doors, go through our drive-thru thru, or place an order through our app.”
The chain also announced that it would be giving away a free order of medium fries with a $1 purchase on its app every Friday as part of its Free Fries Friday promotion for the rest of the year.
McDonald’s franchisee and Operator’s National Advertising Fund Chair John Palmaccio said the chain realized it needed to deliver value.
“Affordable prices and creating memorable moments are what McDonald’s is all about,” Palmaccio said. “As small business owners, it’s our responsibility to deliver great value to our local communities when they need it most.”
Not everyone is happy with the new $5 Meal Deal promotion.
“$5 meal coming but for only 1 month?? No thanks! You want to lure us in and hope we’ll stay and want to pay your crazy high prices? Not a chance!” a user on X wrote.
“So McDonald’s is doing a 5 dollar meal deal for one month. Won’t help unless they make it permanent because Wendy’s already has multiple meal deals starting at 5 dollars,” another user wrote.
McDonald’s said that more promotions are coming later this year.
Value is harder than ever to find at fast food restaurants as the inflation crisis continues.
