McDonald's actually created the Big Mac as an answer to the incredible popularity of Burger King's iconic Whopper. The unique sandwich with its famed middle bun actually hit the chain's menu in 1967, a full decade after Burger King became the "home of the Whopper."
You might be able to blame that on McDonald's (MCD) founder Ray Kroc who was fiercely protective of his original menu. He believed that changes would complicate his chain's kitchens and slow down service.
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The Big Mac was actually created by Jim Delligatti, a McDonald's franchise owner in Uniontown, Pa. It became a nationwide menu staple about a year after its creation and has gone on to arguably be the best-known sandwich around the world (although Restaurant Brands International (QSR) would clearly make a case for the Whopper).
Now, McDonald's has a new version of the iconic sandwich and it's coming to North America, but not the chain's home market of the United States (at least not yet).
Image source: McDonald's
McDonald's Brings the Chicken Big Mac to Canada
McDonald's has actually had a Chicken Big Mac since 2017 when the fried chicken take on the classic first appeared on menus in Australia. It later made its way to the United Kingdom but was removed after about 10 days due to what McDonald's called "incredible demand" for the sandwich. It also was eventually removed from Australian menus but made a return in January 2022.
The Chicken Big Mac, however, has only made a cameo in the U.S. as it was briefly tested in some Miami locations last summer. Now, the new take on the classic sandwich will be joining the chain's menu in Canada beginning March 7, Brand Eating reported.
"Available for a limited time, the Chicken Big Mac is basically a Big Mac but with crispy-fried, seasoned chicken patties in place of beef patties. As such it offers the two chicken patties, Big Mac sauce, lettuce, processed cheddar cheese, and pickles on a toasted, sesame seed bun," the website shared.
Currently, the classic Big Mac is the only version of the iconic sandwich that appears on U.S. menus. In the past, the chain has offered the smaller, Mac Junior and the Grand Mac (a Big Mac that used bigger burger patties) in its home market.
Why No Chicken Big Mac in the U.S.?
The chain has not commented on its plans to eventually release the Chicken Big Mac in the United States. The holdup could be supply chain issues as chicken has been at historically high prices until fairly recently.
McDonald's CEO Christopher J. Kempczinski made it clear during the chain's fourth-quarter earnings call that the company's biggest brands have been driving its success.
"The strength of our brand goes beyond the Golden Arches themselves and includes our iconic products such as our world-famous French Fries, the Big Mac or Chicken McNuggets, and the McFlurry. Each of these products are billion-dollar brands and in total, McDonald's possesses 10 of these billion-dollar brand equities. In an environment where our customers are looking for the simple and familiar, our core menu items have never been more relevant or beloved," he shared.
In 2022, McDonald's actually leaned back toward the Ray Kroc days and focused on executing its existing menu more than adding new items. That's because the chain's increased focus on delivery and digital sales requires that kitchens run as smoothly as possible.
"Through our focus on digital, we are transforming from a brand that serves billions and billions all the same way to one that serves each of our billions of customers uniquely as individuals with customized products, offers, and experiences. By doing this, we strengthen our customers' love and loyalty for McDonald's," he added.
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