#mcdonalds

Christian Pulisic Leads U.S. Soccer’s Top Earners at 2026 World Cup with $27.5 Million in Earnings Christian Pulisic, the 27-year-old American soccer star, has emerged as the highest-paid U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) player ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with an estimated total compensation of $27.5 million over the past 12 months. This figure includes both on-field earnings from his contract with AC Milan and off-field income from a vast array of brand partnerships. Pulisic’s off-field earnings alone amount to $20 million, driven by collaborations with major corporations such as McDonald’s, Pepsi, AT&T, Puma, and recent ventures into consumer-packaged goods like Ritz crackers, Chips Ahoy! cookies, and Sour Patch Kids candy. His growing commercial appeal was further highlighted by a recent Michelob Ultra commercial featuring Argentina’s Lionel Messi. On the field, Pulisic earned approximately $7.5 million from his AC Milan contract, which was secured in 2023 for a transfer fee of up to $24.2 million. This level of financial success contrasts sharply with the earnings of earlier generations of U.S. players. For instance, Clint Dempsey, the retired star who led the USMNT’s top earners at the 2014 World Cup, earned around $7.8 million from his MLS contract with Seattle Sounders but only about $2 million from off-field ventures, totaling roughly $10 million. The gap between on-field and off-field earnings has widened dramatically over the past decade, reflecting the explosive growth of soccer’s commercial appeal in the U.S. The 2026 World Cup, set to be held on North American soil for the first time in over three decades, has catalyzed a surge in brand interest in American soccer players. Kerry Bradley, senior vice president of strategy at Horizon Sports & Experiences, noted that the commercial case for soccer in the U.S.#mcdonalds #ac_milan #usmnt #christian_pulisic #pepsi

McDonald’s > NEXT: A Strategic Shift to Embrace Cultural Storytelling McDonald’s has unveiled its new strategic plan, McDonald’s > NEXT, aimed at driving growth and innovation in a competitive market. The initiative emphasizes reimagining the brand’s role in consumer culture by leveraging social media, partnerships, and fan engagement. Despite four consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth, the fast-food giant faces challenges from rising competition and economic pressures. The plan focuses on evolving marketing strategies to create deeper connections with customers through culturally resonant content and collaborations. Central to the strategy is the idea that modern consumers seek more than just brand visibility—they want to feel part of a shared experience. Morgan Flatley, McDonald’s global chief marketing officer, highlighted this shift, stating, “Customers today don’t just want to see the brand; they want to feel part of it.” The company is prioritizing brand-led content and co-creation with fans to engage audiences in personalized and relevant ways. Social media has been a cornerstone of McDonald’s marketing success, with campaigns like the Grimace birthday celebration on TikTok and the Snack Wrap’s return driven by user-generated content. The strategic plan also underscores McDonald’s commitment to tapping into diverse cultural touchpoints, from film and music to gaming and sneakers. Amanda Mulligan, director of social media and creators at McDonald’s, explained that the brand is “doubling down on all these pockets of culture.” Unlike superficial partnerships, McDonald’s aims to align with cultural movements rooted in shared rituals and memories. For example, the chain’s collaboration with Nike and NBA star Devin Booker exemplifies this approach.#mcdonalds #devin_booker #morgan_flatley #amanda_mulligan #sedona

Memorial Day Weekend Costs: Food, Travel Prices Rise This Summer Americans will pay more for everything from gas to meat for the barbecue heading into Memorial Day weekend. Prices for travel, recreation, and food saw sharp increases, giving consumers headaches as the summer unofficially kicks off. Total inflation for shoppers rose 3.8% in April from the same month a year ago, the highest annual rate since 2023, according to federal government data. Prices for travel, recreation, and food saw especially sharp increases, draining Americans’ wallets as they ring in the unofficial start of summer. “They’re not going to be happy about what they see,” said Stephen Juneau, senior U.S. economist at Bank of America. “There will be a lot of grumbling this weekend when people are driving and in the airports, or are going to the store to stock up.” Consumer sentiment officially came in at its lowest level on record in May, according to survey data from the University of Michigan. The outlook was battered in part by spiking oil prices amid the Middle East war, which is almost three months old. E.l.f. Beauty announced Wednesday that it was rolling back some price increases, saying its consumers were “suffering” from elevated fuel costs. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski warned earlier this month that the fast food chain faced a “challenging environment” as inflationary pressures mount. Summer barbecues will be more costly this year as cattle herds shrink and fertilizer costs jump. Ground beef and steaks are up as much as 16% compared with 2025. Frankfurters cost nearly 11% more than a year ago. Tomatoes run shoppers close to 40% more, while lettuce is up about 8% over the same period. Toppings such as spices, seasonings, condiments, and sauces have climbed almost 4%.#mcdonalds #bank_of_america #university_of_michigan #memorial_day_weekend #elf_beauty

Refreshers Take Over Menus as Fast-Food Chains Embrace Fruit-Flavored Beverages The fast-food industry is witnessing a surge in the popularity of “refreshers,” a category of fruit-flavored beverages that have become a staple on menus from Starbucks to McDonald’s. These drinks, characterized by their bright colors and sweet, fruity profiles, are designed to appeal to younger consumers seeking a refreshing alternative to traditional coffee and tea. While the term “refresher” is not officially defined, the trend has gained traction as chains expand their beverage offerings to capture a growing market. The trend began with Starbucks, which introduced the concept in 2012 as a non-coffee, non-tea option for customers. The drink, initially a mix of iced tea and lemonade, evolved into a variety of flavors, including caffeinated versions launched earlier this year. Starbucks reported $2 billion in annual U.S. sales from refreshers, highlighting their success. Dunkin’ has also embraced the trend, with the category driving double-digit sales growth for the past four years. The chain has enlisted celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter and Morgan Thee Stallion for marketing, further boosting its appeal. Other chains are following suit. Panera Bread has added fruit-based drinks like Frescas and Energy Refreshers, while Sonic offers options that range from bubbly to flat. Swig, a Utah-based chain known for its dirty sodas, has seen success with its water-based refreshers, which cater to health-conscious customers avoiding its higher-calorie sodas. The drinks are particularly popular among women aged 16 to 35, who view them as a guilt-free treat. The rise of refreshers is part of a broader shift in consumer behavior. With fewer people eating out, beverages have become an “affordable indulgence,” according to David Henkes of Technomic.#sonic #mcdonalds #starbucks #dunkin #panera_bread

Easter 2026 Restaurant Hours in Rhode Island: Open and Closed Locations Christians in Rhode Island will observe Easter on Sunday, April 5, 2026, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The holiday follows a 40-day period of Lent, a time of reflection and preparation in the Christian tradition. Easter’s date shifts annually because it is a “moveable feast,” tied to the lunar calendar and the spring equinox, as explained by the History Channel. This year, the holiday falls on a Sunday, influencing the operating hours of several restaurants and retail chains. The article outlines which major restaurant chains will be open or closed on Easter Sunday, providing details about their schedules. McDonald’s, for instance, typically operates on holidays, though specific hours vary by location. Customers are advised to use the McDonald’s store locator tool to confirm their local restaurant’s availability. Similarly, Starbucks and Dunkin’ locations have flexible hours, with customers encouraged to check their respective apps or online tools for precise information. Chick-fil-A, however, will be closed on Easter due to the holiday falling on a Sunday, as the chain observes a weekly closure on Sundays. Chipotle and Cava will also be closed on April 5, with the companies confirming this to USA TODAY. Wendy’s, on the other hand, will remain open at most locations, though individual restaurants may adjust their hours. Cracker Barrel will operate at its regular hours of 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., while Applebee’s will have select locations open with potentially reduced hours. IHOP will be open on Easter, but customers should verify local hours. Subway, Taco Bell, Firehouse Subs, and Panera Bread all note that their hours may vary by location, with independent ownership or regional management influencing schedules.#mcdonalds #starbucks #rhode_island #easter_2026 #dunkin_donuts

McDonald’s and Netflix Launch K-Pop Inspired Meals for 'KPop Demon Hunters' Film McDonald’s has unveiled two new limited-time meals inspired by the upcoming Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, encouraging fans to choose a side in the fictional battle between supernatural forces and K-pop idols. The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal and the HUNTR/X Meal are designed to mirror the personas of the film’s characters, blending pop culture with fast food in a playful collaboration. The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal channels the charm of the fictional K-pop demon group, featuring a Spicy Saja McMuffin® that combines a Sausage McMuffin® with Egg and a peppery Spicy Saja Sauce, inspired by the fiery energy of the group’s leader, Gwi-Ma. The meal also includes crispy hash browns, described as soft on the inside like the Saja Boys’ leader Jinu, and a small soft drink to balance the heat. For fans of the rival demon group, the HUNTR/X Meal offers a unique twist with the Derpy McFlurry, a new McFlurry flavor featuring creamy vanilla soft serve mixed with berry popping pearls and a wild berry sauce. This dessert is said to reflect the irresistible charm of Derpy Tiger, a character from the film. Both meals are available for a limited time, with the release coinciding with the film’s debut on March 31. The KPop Demon Hunters film, directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, follows the secret lives of K-pop superstars HUNTR/X, who use their fame to combat supernatural threats. The story centers on their clash with a rival boy band of demons disguised as idols. The film is a Netflix original produced in partnership with Sony Pictures Animation, blending action, humor, and the global appeal of K-pop culture.#mcdonalds #netflix #kpop_demon_hunters #maggie_kang #chris_appelhans

McDonald’s and KPop Demon Hunters Collaboration Sparks Online Excitement Rumors of a collaboration between McDonald’s and the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters have ignited widespread excitement online, with fans and netizens expressing enthusiasm over the potential release of a themed meal and Korean-inspired menu items. The speculation centers around an upcoming “Huntr/X meal,” which could feature novelty products tied to the film’s concept. One of the most anticipated items is the “Ramyeon Shaker Fries,” a dish believed to blend Korean flavor profiles inspired by the movie’s cultural themes. While McDonald’s has not officially confirmed the collaboration, the rumors have generated significant buzz on social media. Fans have praised the idea, with one user writing, “That a great collab I can’t wait to watch it.” Another commented, “After snagging 2 Oscars including Best Original Song, HUNTR/X getting their own McDonald’s HUNTR/X meal with Rameyon Shaker Fries? Peak KPop Demon Hunters takeover.” Some users expressed optimism about the potential success of the collab, noting, “Rameyon Shaker Fries? This collab might actually go crazy if they get the flavor right.” However, not all reactions have been positive. Critics have questioned McDonald’s motives, with some accusing the fast-food giant of exploiting nostalgia and brand value for profit. One user remarked, “McDonald’s really out here weaponizing nostalgia with demon hunter fries,” while another criticized the collaboration as a “cash-grab,” stating, “Another cash-grab collab almost a year after release proves KPop Demon Hunters’ ‘cultural phenomenon’ status is mostly corporate nostalgia bait.” The animated musical fantasy film KPop Demon Hunters follows a fictional K-pop girl group called Huntr/X and has become a global phenomenon.#mcdonalds #bts #kpop_demon_hunters #huntr_x #ramyeon_shaker_fries

KPop Demon Hunters Meals Launch at McDonald's Next Week KPop Demon Hunters, the animated fantasy musical that has dominated global charts, screens, and playlists, is set to expand its reach with a new partnership at McDonald’s. The collaboration brings the rivalry between the demon-hunting group HUNTR/X and the rival boy band Saja Boys directly to fans through limited-time meals and exclusive experiences. The Saja Boys Breakfast Meal features a Spicy Saja McMuffin, a sausage egg McMuffin topped with a peppery Spicy Saja Sauce inspired by the fiery character Gwi-Ma. Meanwhile, the HUNTR/X Meal includes 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, Ramyeon McShaker Fries—spicy, umami-laced French fries seasoned with soy, garlic, sesame, and spice—Hunter Sauce, a sweet chili blend with garlic and pepper, and Demon Sauce, a bold purple mustard with heat and tang. Fans can unlock exclusive content and a special reveal of the winning group by scanning a QR code on Derpy cards and entering a unique code via the McDonald’s App by April 26. A Derpy McFlurry, combining creamy vanilla soft serve with berry popping pearls and a wild berry sauce, will also be available a la carte. McDonald’s Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Alyssa Buetikofer emphasized the partnership’s focus on fans, stating, “Everything we do at McDonald’s is for the fans, and no one can relate to that more than Netflix and KPop Demon Hunters. Big things happen when you bring two massive fandoms together.” Netflix’s Chief Marketing Officer Marian Lee highlighted the cultural inspiration behind the collaboration, noting, “With McDonald’s, we were able to turn the rivalry between The Saja Boys and HUNTR/X into something fans can actually experience, drawing inspiration from Korean culture and food traditions that sit at the heart of the film.#mcdonalds #netflix #kpop_demon_hunters #saja_boys #huntr_x

Hilary Duff Is a Diet Coke Truther Hilary Duff, the former Disney Channel star known for her role in Lizzie McGuire, has become a subject of online fascination after revealing her belief that McDonald’s serves a superior version of Diet Coke compared to other fast food chains. The claim emerged during a recent press junket for her upcoming album Luck…or Something, where she discussed her theories about the soda’s unique formulation. Duff’s remarks, which she framed as a curiosity rather than a conspiracy, have sparked both amusement and debate among fans and critics. During an interview with Mythical Kitchen’s Last Meals host Josh Scherer, Duff posed the question, “Do you know why a Diet Coke from McDonald’s hits different than a different Diet Coke?” She suggested that McDonald’s has a “lifelong contract” with Diet Coke, implying that each franchise receives its soda pre-mixed. According to Duff, this process results in a more flavorful drink, a claim that has been echoed by others over the years. However, McDonald’s has since clarified that the difference in taste stems from specific preparation methods. The fast food giant explained that its Diet Coke is made with pre-chilled water and syrup, which reduces ice melt and maintains a higher sugar concentration per sip. Additionally, the water is filtered to eliminate competing flavors, and the straws used are slightly larger, allowing for a more substantial amount of soda with each drink. While Duff’s theory may have seemed far-fetched, these factors align with her observations, suggesting that her belief might not be entirely unfounded. Sam Stone, a staff writer, contextualized Duff’s comments, noting that similar questions about McDonald’s soda have circulated for years.#mcdonalds #hilary_duff #diet_coke #mythical_kitchen #josh_scherer

Internet users mocked McDonald’s CEO for his brief taste test of the Big Arch burger Social media users mocked McDonald’s CEO for his short-lived review of the Big Arch burger, questioning whether he actually took a full bite. Comments on the post included jokes about the size of his first bite, with one user quipping, “That was the smallest first bite I’ve ever seen.” Others speculated about the CEO’s ability to fully experience the burger’s flavor. Singer and actress Christina Millian offered a more positive take, calling the burger a “guilty pleasure” in a separate comment. Meanwhile, USA TODAY attempted the Big Arch burger and shared its own evaluation, with the CEO stating, “You want to be hungry when you order one of these,” during his taste test. The full review was linked at the top of the story. The Big Arch burger, a new addition to McDonald’s menu, is set to debut in U.S. restaurants this week. The product, which features a unique arch-shaped design, has generated significant online buzz. While some critics remain skeptical about its taste and value, others have embraced it as a novelty item. The burger’s release marks a bold move for the fast-food giant, aiming to attract attention with its unconventional appearance. McDonald’s has not yet released official details about the burger’s ingredients or pricing, but the company has emphasized its focus on innovation. The Big Arch’s debut comes amid increasing competition in the burger market, with rivals introducing similarly themed products. Despite the mixed reactions, the burger’s visual appeal has sparked widespread discussion, highlighting the growing role of social media in shaping consumer perceptions of new food items.#fast_food #mcdonalds #big_arch_burger #christina_millian #usa_today

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski went viral on social media after appearing deeply unenthusiastic about eating one of his own burgers. The CEO’s reaction to the Big Arch Burger sparked widespread attention. After introducing the product and assuring viewers he would eat it for lunch, Kempczinski opened the box and initially seemed excited, exclaiming, “Holy cow.” However, his enthusiasm quickly faded as he struggled to recall the ingredients, referring to the burger as a “product” rather than food. He took a small bite, appeared uncomfortable, and later described the experience as a “big bite for a Big Arch.” The clip, shared by Rain Drops Media, highlighted Kempczinski’s reluctance to engage with the burger. Social media users quickly picked apart the moment, with many comparing his reaction to the awkwardness of a character from The Simpsons trying a Krabby Patty for the first time. Others focused on the CEO’s choice of words, suggesting his description of the burger as a “product” rather than a meal implied it lacked nutritional value. Commentators also noted the irony of the CEO’s behavior, given that the burger was developed in McDonald’s corporate kitchens. @Nick_TopG joked that the burger was “worlds better than anything you would ever get at an actual McDonald’s,” yet Kempczinski still seemed uninterested. The most scathing critique came from @RoyalMelanite, who called the moment “the most unintentionally hilarious endorsement fail since New Coke.” Reddit users echoed the humor, with u/Carosello questioning why the company would upload the video in the first place.#mcdonalds #chris_kempczinski #big_arch_burger #rain_drops_media #the_simpsons

McDonald’s pivoted to value and won. Now it’s taking a big, beefy gamble on the Big Arch The fast food giant’s biggest-ever burger has a premium price tag in a value-driven time. Can it deliver a big bump in sales or will it be a repeat of McDonald’s most famous flop? Thirty years ago, McDonald’s released its most infamous and expensive flop, the Arch Deluxe. Marketed as a burger with a “grown-up” taste, it promised culinary transcendence through premium ingredients, years of research and testing, and the then exotic siren scent of dijonnaise sauce. To the shock of the company brass, American consumers didn’t fall over themselves to pay for something at McDonald’s that was more expensive than a Big Mac. (A $150 million advertising campaign that involved children being grossed out by the adult-themed burger probably didn’t help.) Within a few years, the sandwich unceremoniously disappeared from menu boards. Decades later, former McDonald’s Head Chef Andrew Selvaggio also shared that the Arch Deluxe was an operational nightmare for an industry built on thrift, speed, and uniformity. “It was a new burger that required a new sauce, new buns, new lettuce, seasoning.” The specter of the Arch Deluxe disaster, which has since become legendary material for MBA case studies and corporate cautionary tales, will no doubt serve as nightmare fuel for McDonald’s executives when the company releases the Big Arch on March 3.#mcdonalds #chris_kempczinski #andrew_selvaggio #big_arch #arch_deluxe

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski Struggles with New Big Arch Burger A video shared on social media last month shows McDonald’s CEO and Chairman Chris Kempczinski hesitantly trying the new “Big Arch” burger, a massive sandwich set to debut in the U.S. on Tuesday. In the clip, Kempczinski expresses his enthusiasm for the product, stating, “I love this product, it is so good. I’m going to do a tasting right now, but I’m going to eat this for my lunch, just so you know.” The burger, described as a “big burger,” includes two quarter-pound patties, Big Arch sauce, lettuce, crispy onions, and pickles. Kempczinski’s attempt to eat the oversized sandwich appears awkward, as he admits he “didn’t even know how to attack it” and hesitates before lifting the burger to his mouth. After taking a small bite, he comments, “Mmm, that is so good, that’s a big bite for a Big Arch,” then turns the burger toward the camera. The clip quickly went viral, with social media users mocking the CEO’s reluctance and questioning whether he genuinely enjoys his company’s menu items. Commenters criticized Kempczinski for treating the burger like a foreign object, with one user quipping, “This was the most unnatural thing I’ve ever seen.” Another remarked, “Why does he look like he’s scared to bite it?” Others pointed out his use of corporate jargon, such as referring to the burger as a “product,” with one commenter writing, “It Scares me when you call food ‘product.’” A popular comment read, “He def don’t eat Mcdonals [sic].” The Big Arch Burger, which gained cult following in Canada and Europe in 2024, was added to the permanent menu in the UK and Ireland. The burger contains 1,020 calories, nearly matching the total calories in a standard Big Mac Meal, including fries and a medium Coke.#social_media #mcdonalds #chris_kempczinski #big_arch_burger #calories

McDonald’s CEO’s awkward taste test sparks mocking online: ‘His aura screams kale salad’ Business leaders are increasingly placing themselves in front of the camera, in an effort to appear more relatable to a social media-first audience. When it goes well, it can be a huge hit. When it doesn’t, you risk becoming the subject of online ridicule. In the recent case of Chris Kempczinski, McDonald’s CEO and president, it’s the latter. Kempczinski, who has led the company since 2019, recently attempted to promote a new menu item by conducting a live taste test of the McDonald’s Big Arch burger. The moment quickly turned into a viral spectacle of awkwardness. The burger, which is set to launch nationwide in the U.S. for a limited time starting March 3, features two quarter-pound beef patties, three slices of melted white cheddar cheese, crispy onions, and a signature Big Arch tangy sauce. During the live session, Kempczinski told the audience he would “do a tasting right now” but then admitted he was eating it for lunch. He hesitated, looking around the burger and saying, “I don’t even know how to attack it, there’s so much to it.” After taking a small bite, he showed the camera the indentation he made, prompting comments like, “That was the smallest first bite I’ve ever seen.” A Reddit user quipped, “If McDonald’s cares about its future, they need to make sure [Kempczinski] is anywhere but in front of a camera.” The incident has drawn widespread mockery online, with critics highlighting the CEO’s apparent discomfort with the product. Some have compared his reaction to that of someone who might prefer a kale salad over a burger. Kempczinski’s tenure at McDonald’s has been marked by efforts to modernize the brand, including initiatives to improve customer experience and expand digital ordering.#mcdonalds #reddit #chris_kempczinski #big_arch_burger #mcdonalds_us