RISE - Menu Monitor

McDonald’s is planning to expand its test of Pepsi bottled and canned beverages to stores in Wichita, KS. The chain, which
sells Coca-Cola fountain drinks in stores, started testing Pepsi brands such as Mountain Dew, Vault, Gatorade, Propel Fitness
Water and Lipton Tea last year. Results have been positive and the company may eventually take the program into more
markets or even nationwide. (Crain’s Chicago Business 3/12/07)
McDonald’s is testing a larger, higher-end Angus burger that costs more because of its extra weight. The item is currently
available in Southern California in about 600 restaurants and is priced at $3.99. There are three burger varieties: a deluxe with
American cheese, tomato slices, lettuce, red onion strips and pickles; a mushroom and Swiss cheese; and a bacon and
American cheese version. (CNNMoney.com 3/07/07)
McDonald’s is testing its new Angus Third Pounder in California. The burger features a bigger burger that is similar to a supersized
Big N’ Tasty burger. There are three different versions: the Angus Deluxe, Angus Bacon & Cheese and Angus
Mushroom & Swiss. The burgers are priced at $3.99. (Msnbc.msn.com 3/23/07)
McDonald’s debuted espresso-based beverages to its 531 outlets in Michigan. The drinks include café lattes, mochas,
cappuccinos and straight espressos. These are available plain and in vanilla or caramel flavors. Iced versions are also
available. In other news, McDonald’s expanded the test of its ⅓-pound Angus burger to select Chicago-area stores. The $4
sandwiches were previously available only in Southern California restaurants. (Nation’s Restaurant News 3/26/07 p3; Chicago
Sun-Times 4/11/07)
McDonald’s restaurants in Colorado are partnering with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to
promote healthier eating to customers. The chain will promote at 110 Colorado outlets 11 meal combinations that meet the
nutritional standards of the state’s Smart Meal program. Smart Meals must contain no more than 700 calories, with less than
15% of calories coming from saturated fats. The meals must also have less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium and a minimum of
two servings of beans or whole grains and fruits or vegetables. Samples of Smart Meals at McDonald’s include a hamburger
paired with a fruit-and-yogurt parfait and apple dippers, or a McDonald’s Asian Salad with grilled chicken. (The Denver Post
4/05/07)
McDonald’s and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have partnered to promote healthy eating habits.
McDonald’s restaurants are testing 11 meal combinations that meet the state’s standards for its Smart Meal program. Each
meal is to contain no more than 700 calories, with less than 15% of those calories coming from saturated fat; less than 1,500
milligrams of sodium; and a minimum of two servings of vegetables, fruit or whole grains. The menu items include a
hamburger with apple dippers or a fruit-and-yogurt parfait, and an Asian Salad with grilled chicken. (Denverpost.com 4/5/07)
McDonald’s rolled out Southwest Salad to its Premium Salad line-up. The item features mixed greens, cilantro-lime glazed
chicken breast (grilled or crispy), oven-roasted tomatoes, bold black beans, fire-roasted corn and spicy poblano peppers,
topped with chili-lime tortilla strips, a fresh lime wedge and Newman’s Own All-Natural Southwest Dressing. The item is priced
at $4.29. (QSR Magazine 4/17/07)
KFC, Arby’s, Carl’s Jr. and McDonald’s as well as many other chains are hopping on the Mexican-flavor bandwagon with new
items featuring chipotle, poblano peppers, spicy beans and cilantro. KFC introduced its Grilled Mexi Bowl featuring Mexicanstyle
rice, jalapeño pinto beans and pico de gallo relish; Arby’s is now offering a Santa Fe Salad; McDonald’s introduced its
Southwest Salad; and for years, Carl’s Jr. has featured items such as breakfast burritos. (Nation’s Restaurant News 5/21/07
p6)
McDonald’s dollar menu, which currently offers only lunch and dinner items, might also include breakfast items. The company
is currently testing grill systems that will allow for breakfast to be served all day. McDonald’s is trying to compete with other
fast-food chains such as Wendy’s, Subway, Taco Bell and Burger King. Burger King offers its own version of the Egg McMuffin
called the Ham Omelet Sandwich. (Sun-sentinel.com 5/25/07)
McDonald’s is switching to trans fat-free cooking oils at all units within the next year. The chain already uses the oil at 3,500
locations and will gradually transition the product into the remaining units. In addition, healthier menu items will be introduced.
(Meat & Poultry Online 5/25/07)
McDonald’s has extended a test of its Angus Third Pounders into an unidentified state in the Northeast, beginning in midsummer.
McDonald’s is already testing three versions of the third-pound Angus beef burgers in California. The item sells for
$3.99. (Nation’s Restaurant News 5/28/07 p52)
McDonald’s introduced a Ranch BLT Premium Chicken Sandwich with all-white chicken breast, hickory-smoked bacon,
lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing. (Company Promo)
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