McDonald’s Tests Massive 'Big Arch' Burger in Canada, Portugal, and More

McDonald’s has introduced the "Big Arch" burger, a supersized twist on the classic Big Mac, in select international markets. The burger, featuring two patties, crispy toppings, and a new tangy sauce, is part of the company’s global strategy to revitalize sales.

McDonald’s Unveils the ‘Big Arch’ Burger, a Supersized Twist on the Classic Big Mac, Amid Global Strategy Shift

McDonald's is about to unveil a larger-than-life version of its iconic Big Mac, a move sure to stir up excitement among fast-food enthusiasts.

For the first time in nearly four years, the fast-food giant has experienced a decline in global sales, driven by inflation and rising prices. In response, CEO Chris Kempczinski announced during a recent investor call that the company is embarking on a “comprehensive rethink” of its strategy, a shift that spans across the globe and includes introducing more enormous burgers.

Kempczinski revealed the new “Big Arch” burger on August 5. According to Restaurant Business, the compelling creation features two patties: melted cheese, “crispy toppings,” and a “tangy McDonald’s sauce.” Further details from a McDonald’s Canada press release describe the burger as including three slices of white processed cheese, crispy onions, slivered onions, pickles, lettuce, and a new Big Arch sauce, a combination that will pique your interest.

The McDonald’s Portugal website has dubbed the Big Arch “Um verdadeiro Épico Mac”—“a true epic Mac.”

“It’s a quintessential McDonald’s burger with a twist on our iconic, familiar flavors,” Kempczinski told analysts.

McDonald’s Tests ‘Big Arch’ Burger in Canada, Portugal, and More as Part of a Potential Global Launch

The Chicago-based chain is testing the Big Arch in three international markets, including Canada and Portugal. While the timing of a U.S. launch remains unclear, McDonald’s plans to evaluate the burger’s performance in these test markets before considering a global rollout.

Unlike previous strategies where the company introduced various more enormous burgers in different regions, this time, McDonald’s aims to add a single, giant burger to its core menu worldwide. As CFO Ian Borden noted in March, “In the past, you would have seen us try and get after that opportunity in 20 different markets in 20 different ways. And then you don’t have the ability to build a global equity that you can drive at scale.”