Latest news with #ChrisKempczinski
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Wendy's menu adds sequel to its most popular meal
Fast food customers may have a favorite chain, but they're also getting careful with their spending. Not everyone has cut back, but even McDonald's, which has generally not been a major player in the value space, has admitted that price has played a bigger role than it did in the past. In fact, CEO Chris Kempczinski has made it clear that value is a clear focus for the chain. Related: McDonald's menu adds new Happy Meal with collectible toys fans will love "Our marketing efforts are reclaiming leadership in value and affordability through initiatives like Every Day Affordable Price menus and meal bundles. In the U.S., the January launch of the McValue platform provides consistent, compelling value, with the choice and flexibility our customers want," he said during the chain's fourth quarter earnings call. That's not just a United States effort, it's a global one. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter "In many of our international markets, we are making further enhancements to our value programs in the first quarter to ensure that we are offering industry-leading value. And with good value at the foundation, we will overlay a strong pipeline of creative marketing ideas that will delight our fans and will provide full-margin check growth," he added. Wendy's has always been a player in value with its $5 Biggie Bag being a menu staple. The chain, however, has an even cheaper deal that's legendary with customers and it's bringing that back. While Wendy's (WEN) has offered various Biggie Bags, which contain a sandwich, a four-piece chicken nuggets, fries, and a drink for $5 or $6 depending upon which sandwiches are involved as a menu staple. Even $6 is a lower price point than similar meal deals from McDonald's and Burger King. Wendy's, however also has a famous $4 meal deal, the 4 for $4. The 4 for $4 offered customers a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger, four-piece chicken nuggets, small fries, and a small drink for $4. It was a wildly popular promotion that was discontinued in January 2024. Now, at a time when consumers are especially value conscious, Wendy's has brought back a $4 deal. It's not the classic 4 for $4, however, it's a little worse, but it still offers a lot of value. More Food News: Iconic fast-food burger chain announces late-night hours expansionMcDonald's menu adds new collaboration with surprising partnerHershey adds new products to move beyond chocolate Instead of offering four items for $4, the new Wendy's deal is a 2 for $4 Biggie Bundle which is available at select participating locations across the U.S., Fast Food Post reported. As part of the new 2 for $4 deal, you can mix and match any two of the following menu items for $4: Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger (JBC)Double Stack4-Piece NuggsSmall Soft Drink "To take advantage of this deal, simply request the 2 for $4 Biggie Bundle at the counter or drive-thru at a participating restaurant near you. You can find the 2 for $4 Biggie Bundle at select participating Wendy's locations across the country for a limited time," the website reported. Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner explained the chain's plans to win back customers after a quarter in which global comparable sales dropped 1.1% while use same-store sales fell by 2.6%. "The first leg of our strategy is providing our customers with fresh, famous food. We do this in three areas; cravable core, impactful innovation and collaborations, and relevant value," he said during the fast-food giant's first-quarter earnings call. Tanner is hopeful about Wendy's plans for the summer. "In this environment, we know that customers are looking for an even more compelling reason to visit restaurants. In response to changing consumer behavior, we're launching a new 100 Days of Summer campaign to provide customers even more of our fresh, famous food through core innovation, collaborations, and value offerings at a time when our customers need it most," he shared. Related: Largest fast-food chain's franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy The CEO also plans to reward the company's best customers. "And for our most loyal and engaged Wendy's fans, 100 Days of Summer will be 100 days of savings through our digital app with deals like National Friday to provide customers with more of our fan favorite hot and crispy fries," he added. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
McDonald's brings back experimental menu item 13 years later
Fast-food chains are meant to be cheap, but when spending $20 on a meal has become the norm, even those who hate cooking have tricked themselves into liking it. In such an uncertain economy, saving every dollar we can matters, which has led many to begin reducing their spending, even if that means eating burnt toast for breakfast and stale cereal for dinner. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter McDonald's has suffered a tumultuous time over the last few quarters, with continuous same-store sales declines, which it attributes to decreased consumer spending and a slowdown in store traffic. However, after creating an 85-year legacy, McDonald's has not come this far to give up now. Related: McDonald's menu adds new Happy Meal fans will love Hence, it has focused on navigating the ever-evolving economy and regaining market share by prioritizing value, especially now that many have begun tightening their budgets. "Consumers today are grappling with uncertainty, but they can always count on McDonald's for both exciting new menu items and delicious favorites for exceptional value, from a brand they love," said McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski in the opening remarks for the first quarter earnings report of fiscal 2025. Image source:McDonald's (MCD) first introduced the Daily Double in 2012. The burger consists of two beef patties topped with melted American cheese, shredded lettuce, slivered onions, mayo, and two slices of tomato, all sandwiched between a sliced sesame bun. However, it was only available at Chicago, Miami, and Seattle locations since it was being tested to see if customers responded well to the new product and ensure there was enough demand for it. Related: McDonald's menu adds new version of a much-mocked classic Over a decade passed, and the burger had yet to become a part of the McDonald's regular menu. Until now... McDonald's will bring the Daily Double burger to its menu nationwide until the end of 2025, nearly 13 years after its pilot launch, allowing all U.S. fans to try it if they have yet to do so. But that's not all for this major nationwide launch. McDonald's began the year by unveiling the new McValue menu in January, as customers have complained about the chain's price increases in the past few years. This menu offers various budget-friendly deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including local offers based on location and in-app exclusives, such as free medium fries with a $1 purchase and buy one, get one for $1. However, the best bang for your buck is the Meal Deals, which includes a choice of entrée, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries, and a small drink, all for around $5, depending on location. So, to welcome the Daily Double burger into the family, starting July 22, customers can order it as their entrée of choice for the McValue Meal Deal for a limited time. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
McDonalds' menu brings back breakfast items Chick-fil-A fans love
It remains debatable whether the chicken came before the egg or the egg before the chicken. We might never know the true answer to this dilemma, but some would agree that chicken for breakfast has been an underrated yet elite choice for many years. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Although many fast-food chains have tried implementing chicken into their breakfast menus, only a few have succeeded, including Chick-fil-A and Whataburger. However, a growing chicken craze has emerged among consumers, and to remain competitive, fast-food chains are refocusing their investments to launch new chicken-based products. Related: McDonald's brings back unexpected breakfast item after 6 years In 2023, McDonald's shifted its strategy to launch more chicken-focused offerings, which led to the relaunch of its popular Snack Wraps. Now, the fast-food giant is broadening its horizons by offering chicken beyond lunch and dinner. Over the last few years, McDonald's (MCD) has suffered a slowdown in sales, with a decline in its U.S. market. The fast-food giant has attributed part of these troublesome results to a cutback in consumer spending, with breakfast being a significant area in which people are no longer shelling out hard-earned dollars. "Morning now is a place that you're seeing people are choosing either to skip breakfast or they're choosing to eat at home for breakfast," said McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski during the company's first-quarter earnings for fiscal 2025. Related: McDonald's menu adds new happy meal fans will love To incentivize customers to spend on breakfast and drive traffic, McDonald's launched a national marketing campaign celebrating 50 years since introducing its breakfast menu. It even declared a National McMuffin Day and expanded the availability of bagel sandwiches nationwide. However, that was just the beginning of McDonald's breakfast revolution, as it's now adding chicken to the mix. McDonald's introduced chicken to its breakfast menu nationwide for the first time in 2020, adding the McChicken Biscuit and the Chicken McGriddles. The chicken breakfast items were eventually discontinued, but as chicken has gained popularity among consumers, the fast-food giant is ready to reintroduce it as a morning offering. More Food News: McDonald's menu adds controversial item after banishing itTaco Bell announces new menu items to battle McDonald'sFormerly bankrupt chain restaurant makes major change to win back fans Starting June 24, McDonald's fans can once again order the McChicken Biscuit and the Chicken McGriddles during breakfast hours. The McChicken Biscuit consists of a McChicken patty, sandwiched between a sliced biscuit and topped with butter, and the Chicken McGriddles features a McChicken patty between two McGriddles cakes. These menu relaunches, part of McDonald's Chicken at Breakfast program, answer consumers' demand for more chicken options, since extending this offering to the morning could significantly boost sales. However, there's a catch. You might not be able to find the chicken breakfast offering at your local McDonald's, as it will only be available for a limited time at participating Michigan locations until July 21. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Independent Singapore
6 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
McDonald's faces sales slump, consumer boycott, and mounting criticism
McDonald's golden arches behind a throng of people taking photographs U.S.A.: McDonald's has been absorbed in a chain of hurdles that have smeared its golden arches. Patrons resisted after the colossal fast-food chain noticeably increased its food prices during a time of spiralling inflation. The repercussion deepened when a brief E. coli epidemic hit several McDonald's outlets in October, throwing consumer confidence off-balance even further. Notwithstanding the introduction of new offers and menu changes, McDonald's saw its sales slide in several successive financial periods. The descending trend persisted into 2025. In its first-quarter revenues statement, McDonald's indicated a 3.6% year-over-year decrease in U.S. equivalent sales. Operating income also dropped to 3%, and buyer foot traffic weakened by 2.6%, according to as reported recently in an article published by The Street. CEO Chris Kempczinski ascribed the low performance to a combination of commodity price increases, geopolitical pressures, and diminishing consumer preferences, calling it a rough atmosphere for the fast-food business. National boycott looms Today, McDonald's is confronted with a new challenge — a nationwide boycott planned by activist group The People's Union USA . Slated to take place from June 24 to June 30, the boycott targets McDonald's for what the group describes as manipulative business practices and ethical flaws. In a buzz-worthy Instagram post, the group's organiser, John Schwarz, charted five key criticisms. These include allegations that McDonald's has lower tax payments than many of its frontline employees, engages in price squeezing even with high earnings, and has an extensive record of anti-union behaviour. Schwarz also complained about the company's international supply chain practices, alluding to environmental ruin and run-down labour settings. Boycott movement gaining momentum The People's Union USA has been stepping up its efforts to challenge corporate control via systematised economic embargoes. Since February, it has aimed at household names such as Walmart, Amazon, Target, and General Mills — and McDonald's is just the most recent addition to its growing list. The group asserts that its objective is to 'expose corruption and exploitation'. With the looming boycott week, McDonald's will be confronted with more than just another sales plummet. It could have repercussions for its public image, labour practices, and customer relationships. See also Gyms and tuition centres replace Singapore cinemas amid closures
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Nationwide McDonald's Boycott This Week: Latest Update From Organizer
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The organization behind a nationwide boycott of McDonald's that is set to start on Tuesday said the movement is "about more than burgers and fries." As part of its ongoing "Economic Blackout Tour," The People's Union USA, the movement behind recent boycotts of Target and Walmart, is urging Americans to refrain from eating at the fast-food chain between June 24 and June 30. "This is about power," the organization said in a post shared by its founder John Schwarz on Instagram on Saturday. "When we unite and hit corporations in their wallets, they listen." Newsweek has reached out to McDonald's via email for comment. Why It Matters The first half of 2025 has been marked by boycotts of several household-name companies, sparked by certain corporations rolling back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, as well as wider pushback against practices such as tax avoidance and underpaying workers. Since late 2023, McDonald's has also been battling a boycott led by the pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement for alleged complicity with the actions of the Israeli military in the Gaza Strip. What To Know The People's Union USA describes itself on its website as "a grassroots movement focused on economic resistance, corporate accountability, and real justice for the working class." Since February, the group has orchestrated boycotts of Amazon, Walmart and Target, as well as periodic "economic blackouts," during which it says Americans should "avoid shopping, streaming, online orders, fast food, and everything in between," and rely exclusively on small, local businesses. The movement said it is demanding "fair taxes, an end to price gouging, real equality, and corporate accountability" through its upcoming boycott of McDonald's. Last week, The People's Union USA accused McDonald's in an Instagram post of engaging in "performative DEI with no meaningful change." The movement also alleged that the company pays its workers low wages and suppresses workers' rights and union efforts. An exterior view of the McDonald's restaurant at the Lycoming Mall. An exterior view of the McDonald's restaurant at the Lycoming Mall. Alamy Live News via AP What People Are Saying The People's Union USA in an Instagram post shared by founder John Schwarz: "This is a show of strength, solidarity, and people powered change. Let them feel it. Let them hear us. Let this be just the beginning." Chris Kempczinski, chairman and CEO of McDonald's Corporation, in a January 2024 LinkedIn post: "I also recognize that several markets in the Middle East and some outside the region are experiencing a meaningful business impact due to the war and associated misinformation that is affecting brands like McDonald's. This is disheartening and ill-founded." Genna Gent, vice president of government relations for McDonald's, in a 2019 letter to the National Restaurant Association and obtained by Politico: "Going forward, McDonald's Corporation will not use our resources, including lobbyists or staff, to oppose minimum wage increases at the federal, state or local levels. Nor will we participate in the association advocacy efforts designed expressly to defeat wage increases." What Happens Next? The People's Union USA said it is planning an economic blackout for July 4, along with boycotts of Starbucks, Amazon and Home Depot throughout the month. During the month of August, the movement is planning boycotts of Walmart, McDonald's and Lowe's. Do you have a story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have any questions about this story? Contact LiveNews@
