McDonald’s has been losing customers due to recent price hikes, and is trying everything to win them back.
While this doesn’t mean lowering prices, they have added some new “remix” items to their menu that they hope will attract an influx of customers to their restaurants.
People Are Choosing to Eat at Home
One of the benefits of eating fast food is that it involves very little preparation time, which is great for working people who don’t want to cook after a long day at work.
However, with people earning less and prices increasing across the board, Restaurant Business reported that people from low-income households are now choosing to eat at home to save money.
Prices Are up by More Than 5%
People’s willingness to eat food from home was up by 1.3%, compared to going out to eat, which was up by 5.9%.
While 5% might not seem like much, with the prices of everything going up, many people, especially those on a low income, are choosing to save money by eating at home rather than eating out.
McDonald’s Has a Loyalty Program
McDonald’s hopes to win customers back through its loyalty program.
MyMcDonald’s rewards scheme allows customers to receive discounts and rewards when ordering through the app. If utilized properly, it could bring back some, if not all, of the customers they have lost.
McDonald’s Has a Secret Menu
One aspect of McDonald’s and other fast food companies that customers may or may not be aware of is the secret menu.
Social media users tend to discuss these menu items, and according to The Street, it involves putting multiple items from the McDonald’s menu together to create one food item.
McDonald’s Has Previously Promoted Secret Menu Items
In July 2023, McDonald’s promoted four secret menu items that have long been popular with customers.
This included items such as the land, air, and sea burger, which is a combination of a McChicken burger, a Big Mac, and a Filet-O-Fish stacked on top of one another.
McDonald’s Has Launched a Remix Song
McDonald’s has launched a remix song to celebrate the new remix menu.
The initial menu song was released in 1989, so McDonald’s launched the remix version in 2024 alongside Lil’ Yachty.
The Remix Menu Is Available in Canada and the US
The remix menu is only available in Canada and the US and contains four new menu items.
Dexerto reported that all four items will be available in Canada, but only three in the US. The one not available is the sweet chili junior chicken, which is crispy seasoned chicken with shredded lettuce, Thai sweet chili sauce, mayo-style sauce, and two toasted buns. It is unavailable in the US because that menu doesn’t have Thai sweet chili sauce.
There Are Three Savory Options
Including the sweet chili junior chicken, the remix menu has three savory options.
This includes the chicken cheeseburger, a remix of the chicken burger, and a cheeseburger. The surf ‘n turf burger is also a double cheeseburger with a Filet-O-Fish.
There Is Also a Sweet Option
If the savory items aren’t quite to your liking, or if you want a dessert to accompany them, McDonald’s has you covered.
They created the apple pie McFlurry, which is a vanilla McFlurry mixed in with pieces of apple pie.
Fans Flocked to Social Media
When the news of the remix menu was announced, it seemed to have the desired effect as fans flocked to social media to express their delight at the news.
One user on X, formerly Twitter, posted that they hadn’t had McDonald’s in a long time, but after seeing the remix menu, they had to go and get some.
Some Were More Cynical
While many were excited about the announcement, others were more cynical.
One X user pointed out their main issue was with the Apple Pie McFlurry. They said people would make the journey to get the McFlurry only for the machine to be broken, something those in the comments could clearly relate to.
Not the First Time
McDonald’s is continuously evolving its strategies to enhance customer engagement and manage costs effectively. The introduction of limited-time offers and advanced technologies are parts of its efforts to remain competitive.
These strategies are not just about attracting customers, but also about optimizing operations and improving the overall dining experience.
Limited-Time Menu Items
Historically, McDonald’s has successfully utilized limited-time menu items to create buzz and attract customers. Items like the Shamrock Shake and the McRib have become seasonal phenomena, boosting sales and customer visits during their availability.
These strategies capitalize on customer excitement and the novelty of temporary offerings.
The Impact of the McRib
The McRib in particular, with its unique barbecue flavor and limited availability, creates a significant buzz each year it is re-released.
This strategy leverages scarcity and nostalgia to drive sales, illustrating McDonald’s savvy in marketing and customer psychology. The periodic reappearances keep the product desirable and maintain customer interest over time.
Celebrity Collaborations: The Travis Scott Meal
The collaboration with Travis Scott in 2020 brought McDonald’s immense traffic, both in-store and online. This partnership, which included a special meal and merchandise, targeted the youth demographic, significantly boosting sales and market relevance.
Celebrity collaborations like this reflect McDonald’s adaptability and understanding of pop culture trends.
California’s Minimum Wage Increase
The recent minimum wage increase in California poses new challenges for McDonald’s, pushing the chain to rethink its labor and pricing strategies.
To mitigate rising labor costs, McDonald’s may lean more heavily on automation and technology, ensuring they maintain profitability while adhering to new wage standards.
Kiosks and Automation: The Shift in Service
In response to rising labor costs and technological advancements, McDonald’s has increasingly incorporated self-service kiosks across its locations.
These kiosks not only reduce staffing requirements but also enhance customer service by expediting the ordering process and reducing human error, marking a significant shift in how fast food operates.
Employee Impact: Layoffs and Role Changes
Automation’s rise in fast food has led to layoffs and transformed roles within the company. Technology-driven tasks are replacing employees, shifting the skill set needed for fast food work.
This evolution raises questions about the future landscape of employment in the fast food sector.
Customer Adaptation to Automation
As McDonald’s introduces more automation, customer reactions vary. Some appreciate the speed and convenience of kiosks, while others miss the personal touch of human service.
This shift requires McDonald’s to balance technological integration with maintaining a satisfactory customer experience.
Environmental Concerns and Automation
While automation in fast food operations like McDonald’s can increase efficiency, it also raises environmental concerns.
The energy usage and waste generated by digital devices, if not managed responsibly, could offset some of the sustainability benefits gained from reduced food waste and operational efficiency.
Technology and Trends
Looking ahead, McDonald’s is likely to further integrate AI and robotics into its operations. This could lead to more personalized experiences and even greater operational efficiencies.
As technology evolves, so too will the fast food industry, continually adapting to new innovations.
Challenges with New Technologies
Of course, the integration of new technologies in McDonald’s operations isn’t without challenges. Issues like cybersecurity, technology maintenance costs, and customer privacy concerns need careful management.
Overcoming these challenges will be important for McDonald’s to successfully implement these advanced systems.
McDonald’s Moving Forward
As McDonald’s adapts to industry changes through innovation and strategy adjustments, it remains focused on improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
The future of McDonald’s looks to blend technology with customer-centric services, aiming to lead the fast food industry towards a more efficient and engaging future.