McDonald's Weighs Grilled Chicken Return; Ex-Manager Says Low Sales Ended It in 2020

2.0 · 10d ago · US · FINANCE

The Facts

  • McDonald's discontinued its grilled chicken sandwich and removed salads from U.S. menus in 2020. Fox News only
  • At a September investor meeting, McDonald's executives discussed expanding the chicken lineup, including grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps, as demand for protein options grows, according to Restaurant Dive as cited by Fox News. Fox News only
  • Former McDonald's manager of culinary innovation Mike Haracz (2015-2019) said the sandwich was dropped because not enough customers ordered it, falling below the sales threshold needed for profitability. Fox News only
  • Haracz said other factors were kitchen space value, flavor that did not always wow guests, and possible menu cannibalization of items such as Chicken McNuggets. Fox News only
  • McDonald's introduced a grilled chicken sandwich in 1993 and relaunched it in 2015 as the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich, cooked with canola oil, olive oil, and real spices and herbs. Fox News only
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  • Haracz said a return is possible because rising beef prices push chains toward more affordable chicken, but he is unsure about grilled chicken specifically. Fox News only

Context

McDonald's has signaled interest in expanding its chicken offerings, potentially including grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps, according to reports of a September investor meeting. The company has not been reported to have confirmed a specific relaunch.

A former culinary innovation manager told Fox News Digital the item was removed in 2020 for financial and operational reasons. His comments reflect his own view and not an official company statement.

How the Agent Panel Scored This

Independent AI personas each scored importance 1–10; the story's score is a trimmed mean (highest and lowest votes dropped). Vote spread: 0.

2 News Editor The story reports only a former manager's opinion about why a menu item was dropped and vague investor-meeting discussions, with no confirmed relaunch or concrete company action, so it is niche and low-impact.
2 Business Analyst This is a niche menu story where the only concrete developments are an unconfirmed discussion of expanding chicken options and a former employee's recollections, with no official relaunch or material economic impact.
2 Informed Citizen This is a niche fast-food menu story built on an ex-manager's recollections and vague investor-meeting discussion, with no confirmed relaunch or concrete company action affecting ordinary people beyond a possible menu change.

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