One of the most popular fast-food chain restaurants, McDonald’s, attracted the attention of the public with a remarkable 14% surge in revenue, soaring to an impressive $6.69 billion in a span of three months. While this profit is noteworthy for the fast-food titan, it has triggered a passionate debate among customers, experts, and economists.
The reason why is that according to the New York Post, McDonald’s credited the colossal figure, initially forecast at $6.58 billion, to “strategic menu price increases.”
One TikTok user slammed McDonald’s for not being affordable any longer due to the prices going up.
When the man went to the fast food chain restaurant recently and got his typical order, a Smoky Double Quarter Pounder BLT burger, large fries, and Sprite, he was shocked to realize that it cost him over $16.
The cost of living in the USA, and most of the world, increased significantly over the last couple of years due to the sharp inflation.
Sadly, even the takeout options that were once affordable to most people are now quite expensive and Americans can no longer rely on having cheap McDonald’s meals.
Christopher Olive, the man who created the TikTok post that caused a stir and caught many people’s attention, explained that just a couple of years ago, this meal, which he now paid over $16 for, cost $10 or even less.
In the clip, he says: “So I get there’s a labour shortage, I get there’s wage increases and a number of other things but… sixteen dollars?
“Sixteen dollars for a burger, a large fries and a drink. It’s just crazy.”
The video has received close to 180,000 views and thousands of comments from the internet community. Most users believe that $16.10 for a burger, some fries, and a drink is a rip-off.
“Five Guys prices at McDonald’s?!?” someone commented, to what Christopher replied, “It’s crazy.”
Another said: “It’s officially not convenient or affordable anymore, might as well go to the store and buy hamburger meat.”
“I make a lot more of my own food these days because of stuff like this,” added a third, with the TikToker replying: “Exactly. I eat 90 percent from food I cook and this really shocked me.”
Others, however, say that we should keep in mind that rising costs have an impact on the entire supply chain.
Further, they say that Christopher opted for the most expensive item on the menu.
“Bro ordered the most expensive meal they have and acted surprised,” wrote one, while another said: “Because you got DOUBLE DELUXE BACON quarter pounder, literally the most expensive option on the entire menu.”
There were also those who shared some advice on how to cut the costs while having a meal at McDonald’s.
“Download the app. You can literally eat McDonald’s for under $6 every time.”
A second chimed in: “Use the McDonald’s app, sometimes they have a 50% off and other offers.”
The dissatisfaction by consumers fuels allegations of “greedflation,” insinuating that companies capitalize on inflation concerns for profit. Nonetheless, McDonald’s profitability persists in expanding, partly attributed to elevated prices, signaling enduring consumer demand despite financial pressures.
The fast-food chain asserts that its pricing remains equitable, and the ongoing demand for its products indicates a nuanced situation.