Alex Buscemi
As inflation rates climb globally, the spotlight has turned back to a viral video that captures a McDonald’s customer’s shock over the cost of a seemingly ordinary order.
The video features Christopher Olive, known as @topherolive on TikTok, who expresses his dismay after being charged $16.10 for a Smoky Double Quarter Pounder BLT burger, large fries, and a Sprite.
This incident has resurfaced on social media, reigniting conversations about the rising costs at what was once known as a budget-friendly fast-food chain.
“$16 for fast food?”
Filmed in Idaho, Christopher’s reaction highlights a growing sentiment among McDonald’s patrons. “So, I get there’s a labor shortage. I get there’s wage increases and a number of other things but… sixteen dollars?” he remarks in the video. “Sixteen dollars for a burger, a large fries, and a drink. It’s just crazy.” This price point is stirring debates online about whether McDonald’s can still be considered an affordable dining option.
Not everyone shared Christopher’s frustration
@topherolive
The reaction to Christopher’s video was mixed, with some viewers suggesting that he simply chose one of the pricier options available. “You got the most expensive combo possible at McDonald’s so,” and “bro ordered the most expensive meal they have and acted surprised,” were among the comments trying to rationalize the high price.
However, others resonate with his frustration, pointing out, “It’s officially not convenient or affordable anymore might as well go to the store and buy hamburger meat,” and “I won’t go there anymore. Too expensive, rather support small local restaurants instead.”
McDonald’s pricing through the years
@natalienuernberger @McDonald’s BFFR! #smh #mcdonalds #tooexpensive #bffr #mcdonalds #filetofish #price #fastfood #inflation #lent
The issue of pricing at McDonald’s is not just about one viral video. Data from Delish indicates that prices at the chain have doubled over the past decade, marking an average price increase of 100%. The humble McDouble, once a staple of McDonald’s $1 menu, has seen a 168% price increase. .
From complaints to corporate response
@cnn An $18 Big Mac meal? A $3 hash brown? McDonald’s customers took to social media to complain about the company recently raising its prices. The fast food giant says that prices went up by as much as 10% in 2023, a move it blames largely on rising food cost. #mcdonalds #dollarmenu
The surge in prices has led to a backlash on social media, with customers voicing their discontent and accusing the chain of getting “too cocky.” Another comment added: “Something doesn’t seem right here.”
This has spurred McDonald’s CEO, Chris Kempczinski, to address these concerns publicly. In a recent earnings call, he acknowledged the feedback and stated, “I think what you’re going to see as you head into 2024 is probably more attention to what I would describe as affordability.”
McDonald’s strategy moving forward is to focus on affordability
In response to the outcry, McDonald’s has plans to introduce a $5 meal deal in the U.S., which will include a choice between a McChicken or a McDouble, along with fries and a drink. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to regain customer trust by emphasizing affordability. As Kempczinski put it during the company’s first-quarter earnings call, McDonald’s needs to be “laser-focused on affordability,” a commitment that might just bring back customers who have started to look elsewhere for their fast-food fix.
This series of events underscores a critical juncture for McDonald’s, as the company navigates maintaining its image as an affordable fast-food option while also adapting to economic pressures. Whether these measures will satisfy budget-conscious consumers remains to be seen, but for now, the internet slams McDonald’s high prices, signaling a possible shift in consumer expectations and brand loyalty.
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