McDonald's new dollar menu for 2018

[bcla]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-mcdonalds-value-menu-20171204-story.html

Certainly I've seen some of the value items consistently priced at different locations, including $1 coffee or $1 large soft drinks. However, many of the items I see vary a lot. I go to some locations that have "premium" prices. For instance I've seen some places with $2.99 Happy Meals, while the one closest to my place charges over $5 for a hamburger Happy Meal.

Apparently they're going to emphasize a $1/$2/$3 pricing model, although I suppose that may be different if a franchise owner doesn't want to participate or limits items that are at these price points. For instance I remember back in 2013 I was in Manhattan, where the then "Dollar Menu" items at most McDonald's were something like $1.79 or $2 because of the location.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-mcdonalds-value-menu-20171204-story.html

Certainly I've seen some of the value items consistently priced at different locations, including $1 coffee or $1 large soft drinks. However, many of the items I see vary a lot. I go to some locations that have "premium" prices. For instance I've seen some places with $2.99 Happy Meals, while the one closest to my place charges over $5 for a hamburger Happy Meal.

Apparently they're going to emphasize a $1/$2/$3 pricing model, although I suppose that may be different if a franchise owner doesn't want to participate or limits items that are at these price points. For instance I remember back in 2013 I was in Manhattan, where the then "Dollar Menu" items at most McDonald's were something like $1.79 or $2 because of the location.

Hmmm.... I wonder if the "Classic Chicken sandwich" is the one they eliminated when they introduced the McChicken sandwich. If so, I'd love it. But, maybe, not for $3.00.

 

[bcla]

Hmmm.... I wonder if the "Classic Chicken sandwich" is the one they eliminated when they introduced the McChicken sandwich. If so, I'd love it. But, maybe, not for $3.00.

The McChicken has been around for a while. I thought maybe early 90s there was some coexistence of a couple of more expensive chicken sandwiches? I thought maybe a crispy buttermilk battered filet and a grilled filet.

Still - I look at the prices at McDonald's and I'm not sure I see the value. A Quarter Pounder with Cheese is over $5. At least until a few weeks ago a local sit-down restaurant had a great happy hour special of a $5 1/3 lb cheeseburger with fries.

 

[Yoshi]

I was hoping they would bring the McDouble back for $1 and a small order of fries for $1. I'll stick with Burger King that has the 2 cheeseburgers, fries and a soda for $3.49 (or a double cheeseburger, fries and a soda for $3 with a coupon) or the Wendy's 4 for $4 with a Double Stack, 4 chicken nuggets, fries and a soda. I also prefer Burger King and Wendy's since they have the Coca Cola Freestyle machines.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

The McChicken has been around for a while. I thought maybe early 90s there was some coexistence of a couple of more expensive chicken sandwiches? I thought maybe a crispy buttermilk battered filet and a grilled filet.

Still - I look at the prices at McDonald's and I'm not sure I see the value. A Quarter Pounder with Cheese is over $5. At least until a few weeks ago a local sit-down restaurant had a great happy hour special of a $5 1/3 lb cheeseburger with fries.

All I know is I used to get a chicken sandwich at McDonald's that was just a basic chicken sandwich. Not a spicy one, just a plain one and I loved the McDonald's Honey Mustard sauce (which they don't have any more ) on it.

Then there was a change, and the chicken sandwich was a spicy chicken sandwich. Not my taste. One time I asked if the McChicken was spicy and they said "no". They were wrong. It's not as spicy as the spicy chicken was, but it's spicier than a basic chicken sandwich.

 

[Lori74]

Yes, you are correct, there are corporate/ Mc Op Co, and owner operated stores. You will most likely see cheaper prices at a corporate store. Regionally, there are agreements between the two while running promos to honor those sale prices. However, sometimes the ads/commercials get played early and stores aren't ready to charge that price in their systems. There is also confusion to some that get tv channels outside of the market they live in, but don't think about it and go to stores expecting that same promotion. The food costs are rising and min wage rising, therefore we see that reflected in the menu pricing. The quality of food that is provided to McDonalds is very good. The McChicken is not described as spicy, so I'm sure that's why a crew told you no. I don't think they were trying to mislead you, but yes, it might be spicy for your taste.

 

[L&Lfan]

I'm sticking with Chick-Fil-A.

 

[dish rag]

Was stuck eating there last week. A Big Mac meal with tax was over $8. One of the items is a drink, nothing there I care to drink. I thought it was a lot of money and the service at that location is very bad. No ketcup was out. You would think the manager would see to it that it was. They never did re fill it while I was there. The few McDonald's I've been in the last year also seem poorly managed. On the other hand with a $1 sandwich, that's what you'll get, a $1 sandwich. Who wants that.

 

[dish rag]

I'm sticking with Chick-Fil-A.

Never been in one that was mis managed. They move the usually long line fast and their employees just seem more a knotch better than the other places. Cleaner and more decent.

 

[Klayfish]

Well, glad to hear they'll offer $1 choices. Maybe it'll help people save up for their co-pay or deductibles on medical insurance they'll need for doctor visits and cholesterol medicines after eating that junk.

 

[mnrose]

Well, glad to hear they'll offer $1 choices. Maybe it'll help people save up for their co-pay or deductibles on medical insurance they'll need for doctor visits and cholesterol medicines after eating that junk.

I tend to agree and generally avoid ANY fast food restaurant. But occasionally, one has to have a fast food meal. I maybe eat 2-3 per year. Pretty sure that isn't going to have much of an affect.

 

[Klayfish]

I tend to agree and generally avoid ANY fast food restaurant. But occasionally, one has to have a fast food meal. I maybe eat 2-3 per year. Pretty sure that isn't going to have much of an affect.

Yep, I don't disagree with that one bit.

 

[IAHFTPT]

I knew this was gonna happen. Like clockwork.

 

[Hikergirl]

My ds gets 2 McChicken sandwiches for $1 each already. I cringe, it's chicken for a dollar, or should I say "chicken".
I can't see paying $3 for a sausage McMuffin, sausage is the cheapest meat there is and egg is pretty cheap. I mean you can get a triple cheeseburger, a chicken sandwich or a whole happy meal for the same price? It doesn't seem to fit.

I don't eat there often but my kids will be happy about these prices

 

[wenrob]

The McChicken has been around for a while. I thought maybe early 90s there was some coexistence of a couple of more expensive chicken sandwiches? I thought maybe a crispy buttermilk battered filet and a grilled filet.

Still - I look at the prices at McDonald's and I'm not sure I see the value. A Quarter Pounder with Cheese is over $5. At least until a few weeks ago a local sit-down restaurant had a great happy hour special of a $5 1/3 lb cheeseburger with fries.

Price also depends on *how* you order the food. If I order 2/10 piece chicken nuggets they’re like $4.79 apiece. If I order 1/20 piece chicken nuggets (that come in 2/10 piece cartons) it’s $5. I went the other day and ordered a 20 piece nuggets, Big Mac and three medium fries. The girls says, “Don’t you want the combo special? 20 pc. nuggets, 2 Big Macs and 2 fries for $12.00.” Me, “No, I don’t need two Big Macs.” Girl, “Okay, that will be $16.25.” If you buy the combo meals with the giant sodas it’s even less. I said to my DD no wonder there’s an obesity epidemic in this country. Not so much *what* is being eaten but people eating a whole lot more because it’s cheaper. I paid more because I didn’t know what to do with a second Big Mac. A good majority of the population would have taken it and eaten it feeling like they scored.

 

[RangerPooh]

If I'm going to eat fast food I'll pay more and go to Chick Fil A. Quality food and good customer service. If that's not available there's always Wendy's. Slow service but the $/4 menu is a better deal, especially with inconsistency in McD pricing.

 

[Happyinwonerland]

I stop by the McDonald's across from the hospital a couple time a month for a cup of coffee and a toy for DD. It has been years since I actually ate their food, the last time I tried it was just awful. I don't understand why they are so popular.

 

[tvguy]

Kind of an interesting problem. Dollar menu clearly brings in the customers, but they make a lot less per customer. And like any restaurant, the food isn't what costs money, the rent and labor do.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I worked at McDonald's as a teenager. About 18-19 years ago. I remember the owner telling us it cost about 18C to make a Big Mac. Those suckers are expensive now!

I ONLY eat McDonald's after a night of drinking and we get the brilliant idea of stopping at a 24 hour McDonald's instead of going to the diner. It happens maybe 1-2 times a year if that. They taste so good when you are hungry and drunk. lol But the next day isn't so pretty.

 

[bcla]

I can't see paying $3 for a sausage McMuffin, sausage is the cheapest meat there is and egg is pretty cheap.

Depending on the location, a sausage McMuffin without egg goes for anywhere from $1.19 to $1.59. Adding the egg may double the price or more. That I don't really get.