McDonald’s Exec Slams $18 Big Mac Claim, Calls It a Rare Exception

McDonald's President Joe Erlinger debunked the $18 Big Mac claim, attributing the price to inflation and calling it a rare exception.

In an open letter published on Wednesday, McDonald's president Joe Erlinger openly disclosed that, on average, menu prices had increased by over 40% since 2019.

According to CNBC, this transparency is in response to assertions on social media by House Republicans and others that the fast-food industry raised prices by more than 100%, ensuring patrons of their commitment to honesty and openness.

$18 Big Mac: Myth vs. Reality

The letter from Erlinger arrives almost a year after a social media user from Connecticut who patronized McDonald's and posted about a Big Mac combo meal costing $17.59 went viral.

"I can tell you that it frustrates and worries me, and many of our franchisees, when I hear about an $18 Big Mac meal being sold — even if it was at one location in the U.S. out of more than 13,700," commented Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald's USA, in the letter posted on the corporate website of the restaurant chain. "More worrying, though, is when people believe that this is the rule and not the exception, or when folks start to suggest that the prices of a Big Mac have risen 100% since 2019."

Erlinger pointed out that the average price of a Big Mac meal has now reached $9.29, a staggering 27% increase from the $7.29 price in 2019. He further highlighted that a 10-piece McNuggets meal now costs 28% more than it did a year ago, and a medium order of French fries now costs 44% more, significantly impacting the average consumer's budget.

Industry-Wide Cost Pressures

Erlinger contextualized the price increases by noting that they are not unique to McDonald's. He explained that the industry is facing comparable increases in input costs, such as commodities and staff salaries. This, he emphasized, is a crucial factor contributing to the price adjustments.

He emphasized the diligent efforts of McDonald's franchise owners working tirelessly to maintain a price ceiling for their establishments. He explained that price hikes for fast food have compelled some Americans to eat less, which is why the letter was issued at this time.

According to a January survey by the consulting firm Revenue Management Solutions, CBS News reported that the cost of fast food concerns approximately one-fourth of consumers with annual incomes below $50,000.

The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that prices for goods and services have increased by 3.4% in the past year.

Beginning on June 25th, the company will soon offer value meals for approximately one month for $5.

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