Credits: Social Media
McDonald’s finally focuses attention on ‘out of control’ prices as Big Mac Meal soars to $18
McDonald’s is paying more attention to “affordability” in 2024 as the price of a Big Mac Meal has soared to almost $18 in some locations.
You only need to take a quick look on social media to see how angry people are, with some vowing to stop eating at the fast food chain altogether.
McDonald’s prices ‘out of control’
McDonalds customers say the prices are “out of control,” with a single Egg McMuffin costing $7.29 at a restaurant in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Another restaurant in nearby Darien has been slammed for charging a ridiculous $17.59 for a Big Mac combo meal.
One person wrote on Twitter/X this week: “Have y’all seen the prices at a McDonalds recently? There’s no way they’re charging that much for the quality of food they serve.”
“$18 for Big Mac combo is beyond reason. McDonalds sales & stock price will continue to fall,” said another.
A third person added: “I don’t have the same issue with other fast food places. It only seems to be McDonald’s that has reduced quality and severely increased prices.”
Someone else wrote: “Prices are sit down restaurant level. And if I’m gonna pay that, I’m gonna eat a far better quality meal than McDonald’s.”
Focus on ‘affordability’ in 2024
McDonald’s officials are clearly aware of the anger and have finally vowed to pay more attention to “affordability” this year.
On an earnings call with Wall Street analysts on Monday (February 5), McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski addressed the high prices.
“I think what you’re going to see as you head into 2024 is probably more attention to what I would describe as affordability,” he said, according to USA Today.
“Eating at home has become more affordable. The battleground is certainly with that low-income consumer.”�
‘Strategic’ price hikes boost profits
In October 2023, McDonald’s�said their staggering $6.69 billion in the third quarter was “driven by strategic menu price increases,” with revenue up 14%.
“Even though were pushing through pricing, the consumer is tolerating it well,” Kempczinski said in an analyst call at the time.
However, they now appear to have made a U-turn on that view as people start turning against the food giant.
Many have stopped eating there altogether, with someone writing on Twitter/X: “Haven’t been to McDonalds in 2 years due to rising prices & poor service.”
“McDonald’s keep your prices high. Youve long lost our business with your greedy pricing model. $18 for an $8 meal. Give me a break,” said another.
It comes as the chain has just re-launched the Double Big Mac, which was added to the menu four years ago but quickly removed due to the pandemic.
