All articles tagged with #big arch
McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski says his tiny on-camera bite during a February Big Arch tasting was guided by his mom's rule not to talk with your mouth full, a rationale that sparked online ridicule but comes as leaders try to be relatable on social media; the meme-friendly moment occurred as McDonald's stock rose about 3% over the past year despite mixed reception to the new burger.
McDonald’s new Big Arch—its biggest burger yet, weighing nearly a pound and delivering about 1,020 calories—kicks off an industry-wide tilt toward oversized, premium-looking burgers while chains continue to push value meals. Pricing varies by market (average around $8.88, with some outlets above $12.99), as the industry pursues a two-pronged barbell strategy of value plus abundant, indulgent offerings. Online jabs among CEOs accompany steady sales gains as chains vie for burger leadership.
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski posted a video tasting the Big Arch burger and taking a very small bite; the clip flew under the radar until comedians on TikTok roasts amplified it, turning a routine product reveal into a viral publicity moment as McDonald’s leaned into the meme on social media and Kempczinski has said he regularly eats at McDonald’s.
Burger King’s CEO takes aim at McDonald’s Big Arch rollout by biting a Whopper on social media and tossing in a napkin gag, reviving a lighthearted corporate feud as McDonald’s led with its new burger.
Burger King posted a video of its president taking a big bite of a Whopper in response to McDonald’s viral Big Arch bite video, fueling a social-media comparison of on-camera charisma as both brands ride the buzz of new menu launches.
McDonald’s is rolling out the Big Arch burger in the U.S. for a limited time: a hefty two-Quarter Pounder sandwich built on a large sesame-poppy bun with white cheddar, crispy onions, raw onions, and a new Big Arch sauce. Priced around $10.19 in New York City and about 1,020 calories, the sauce is ketchup-forward with mustard and pickle notes, the cheddar adds sharpness, and the raw onions provide a strong bite. It’s tasty and satisfying but very filling—great for sharing or enjoying on a special occasion while it lasts.
An BI writer frames Kempczinski’s Instagram posts about the Big Arch as part of a broader ‘going direct’ PR trend, notes the viral backlash over his tiny bite, and shares trying the burger herself (it's tasty); the piece argues the posts may be aimed more at McDonald's employees and franchisees than the general public, illustrating a shifting corporate communications strategy.