Bold menu items can be a game-changer for McDonald's

 

Steven Johnson Grocerant Guru® at Tacoma, WA based Foodservice Solutions® thinks it’s time that McDonald’s begin to think outside the box to garner new customer while edifying existing customers.   That said, here are some new menu ideations.   Bold menu items can be a game-changer for McDonald's, helping to drive sales and attract new customers. Here are three innovative suggestions:

1. Plant-Based Lobster Roll

Why It Would Work:

·         Trend Alignment: The popularity of plant-based diets continues to soar. A plant-based lobster roll taps into the growing market of vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians looking for sustainable and ethical dining options.

·         Unique Offering: While many fast-food chains offer plant-based burgers, a plant-based lobster roll would stand out as a unique and premium offering, attracting curious foodies and health-conscious consumers.

·         Coastal Appeal: By offering a plant-based version of a classic coastal dish, McDonald's could appeal to regions known for seafood and to customers who crave a taste of the coast without the environmental impact of traditional seafood.

2. Korean Fried Chicken Burger

Why It Would Work:

·         Global Flavor Trend: Korean cuisine, particularly Korean fried chicken, has seen a surge in popularity worldwide. Introducing a Korean Fried Chicken Burger could leverage this trend, drawing in fans of bold, spicy, and flavorful food.

·         Cultural Fusion: McDonald's has a history of successfully introducing culturally inspired menu items. A Korean Fried Chicken Burger would cater to the growing demand for fusion cuisine, offering a new and exciting taste experience.

·         Social Media Appeal: The visual appeal of Korean fried chicken, often coated in a glossy, spicy sauce, would make this burger highly shareable on social media platforms, driving organic marketing and buzz.

3. Personalized Nutrition Bowls

Why It Would Work:

·         Customization Craze: Consumers increasingly seek personalized dining experiences. Offering bowls that customers can customize with a variety of proteins, grains, and vegetables would cater to this demand.

·         Health Consciousness: As more people prioritize health and wellness, having a menu option that allows for balanced, nutrient-rich meals would attract health-conscious customers who might otherwise avoid fast food.

·         Tech Integration: By integrating this offering with an app or kiosk that provides nutritional information and customization options, McDonald's could enhance the customer experience and attract tech-savvy, health-minded individuals.

Implementation and Marketing Strategy:

·         Seasonal Launches: Introducing these items as limited-time offers initially can gauge customer interest and create a sense of urgency.

·         Celebrity Endorsements and Influencer Partnerships: Collaborating with popular food influencers and celebrities can amplify the launch and attract diverse customer demographics.

·         Sustainability Angle: Emphasizing the sustainability aspects, especially for the Plant-Based Lobster Roll, could attract environmentally conscious consumers and enhance the brand's image.

By tapping into current food trends and customer preferences, these bold new menu items could help McDonald's not only drive sales but also redefine its image as an innovator in the fast-food industry.

Don’t over reach. Are you ready for some fresh ideations? Do your food marketing ideations look more like yesterday than tomorrow? Interested in learning how Foodservice Solutions® can edify your retail food brand while creating a platform for consumer convenient meal participation, differentiation and individualization?  Email us at: Steve@FoodserviceSolutions.us or visit us on our social media sites by clicking the following links: Facebook,  LinkedIn, or Twitter