JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – McDonald’s CEO promised more affordable menu items after backlash on social media caught his attention amid the outrage over inflation.
“But $16,” a man said in a TikTok video. “$16 for a burger, large fries, and drink, that’s just crazy.”
In another viral video, a person said they paid $7 for a meal that normally costs $3.
A location in Connecticut was criticized after a customer was charged $17.59 for a Big Mac Combo, and $7.29 for an Egg McMuffin. The burger chain reported weaker-than-expected sales at its United States stores earlier this week.
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski addressed the chain’s affordability problem head-on by announcing the chain will cut prices on some menu items in the future.
According to the Consumer Price Index for 2023, the price of food at home went up 1.3%. During that same time, the price of food away from home jumped by 5%.
“Same prices as grocery stores, by the time you go get something for dinner at a fast-food restaurant it’s all the same price I feel like,” Alexis Rozario, a local consumer said.
News4JAX wanted to find out how much people are paying for fast food by visiting McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, and Taco Bell on the Southside.
A quarter-pounder hamburger, french fries, and a drink at a McDonald’s off University Boulevard costs $9.13.
At Chick-fil-A, for a sandwich, fries, and a drink, you’ll pay $8.95.
For a single burger at Wendy’s with fries and a drink, you’ll pay $9.79.
Taco Bell is expanding its value menu to include 10 items under $3. “We remain dedicated to offering our fans delicious food at affordable prices,” a company spokesperson said.
Teo Gonzalez, another local consumer said it’s unbelievable that the fast food chains are so expensive.
Since McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s and Taco Bell locations are all independent franchises, prices vary depending on where you are and are set by the franchise owner.
Gene Strickland, a consumer, said the good old days of getting an entire meal for under 50 cents are gone.
When McDonald’s first came from the West Coast to the East Coast, you could take a quarter and get a hamburger and fries.
McDonald’s does have what’s called a 1,2,3 dollar menu and Wendy’s has a value meal called 4 for 4. Consumer advocates said the best way to save money is to get the app for the fast-food restaurants you plan to visit, to see the best deals. It’s going to take some planning but in the end, it could save you some money.