McDonald's Clarifies $18 Big Mac as Rare Exception Amid Price Concerns

TL;DR
McDonald's USA President Joe Erlinger addressed concerns over reports of an $18 Big Mac meal, stating it is an exception and not the norm. He emphasized that the average Big Mac price is $5.29, up 21% since 2019, and that franchisees set prices based on increased operational costs. Amid rising fast food prices, McDonald's plans a $5 meal promotion to attract budget-conscious customers, as some Americans reduce fast-food consumption due to cost concerns.
- Top McDonald's exec says $18 Big Mac meal is "exception," not the rule CBS News
- McDonald’s: Our prices haven’t risen as much as you think CNN
- McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and news reports overstated its price increases The Associated Press
- McDonald's exec says average menu item costs 40% more than in 2019 CNBC
- $18 Big Macs? McDonald’s Hits Back Against Viral Social Posts Bloomberg
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