The move comes as the chain faces stiff competition from its top rivals, Burger King and Wendy's, as well as from the fast casual sector (Chipotle, Panera, etc.).
Since being acquired by 3G Capital, Burger King has been on a tear, producing limited-time menu, after menu, after menu. Taking a page (or two) out of McDonald's playbook, they've even added snack wraps, smoothies, frappes, and are set to add lattes this month.
Wendy's has gone a slightly different way: revamping and improving their burgers and are also working on a new coffee platform.
Interestingly, Burger King introduced Chicken Strips last year to better compete against Chicken Selects. With Chicken Selects being dropped, it leaves BK as the only one of the Big Three burger chains to still offer chicken strips.
A possible successor for McDonald's Chicken Selects might come in the form of Mighty Wings, which have been tested in Atlanta and are currently winding down in Chicago. However, such a move comes with its own problems: Mighty Wings are on the pricey side ($2.99 for 3 pieces) and can't be eaten neatly (which doesn't bode well for the in-car dining some McDonald's-goers sometimes perform).
As for Angus Third Pounders, McDonald's is currently testing using the Quarter Pounder as a base for various burgers.
I'll miss the chicken selects a little. I don't get them too often, but I think they're the best chicken strips at a fast food chain.
ReplyDeleteI thought they were OK. Way too expensive though.
ReplyDeleteMcDonald's is the Walmart of fast food. People go there for cheap food. The majority don't want expensive crap. They are smart to market their Dollar Menu more though.
ReplyDeleteTheir Chicken Selects weren't bad. The Angus Burgers need to go. In my opinion, their top offerings need a revamp. McDonald's burgers are just awful, all around. I love their fries, but everything else is just blahhhh.
So if the chicken selects are gone does that mean the line of snack wraps will also be off the menu? Or will they have the selects only for wraps? Being that the wraps were so popular Burger King and Wendys copied Mcd's I am surprised that they would make this whole category disappear... Anyone know the details?
ReplyDeleteI think what they're going to do is just start chopping up their crispy chicken filets for the snack wraps. They're also planning on doing bigger McWraps later this year which will contain strips of grilled or crispy chicken filets.
ReplyDeleteThe Bacon and Cheese Angus Burger is my favorite thing on their entire menu, so I hope they decide to keep it. I've admittedly been going to McDonald's less in the past few years, but whenever I do that's almost always what I get.
ReplyDeleteI never once tried Chicken Selects, so won't miss those... I hope they don't get rid of the dipping sauces that were specifically intended to go with them though.
ReplyDeleteI did like the Fruit & Walnut Salad, but it was pretty expensive for the amount of food you got. Cheaper to just buy a yogurt parfait and some apple slices.
Years ago, I would get the 3 Chicken Selects meal. I liked them -- they had a nice flavor to them and I'll be sad to see them go.
ReplyDeleteTried the selects once. Too much breading. The quarter pounder is a solid patty; it should be a good base for more complicated burgers.
ReplyDeleteI just hope that $1.00 McDoubles will stay for as long as possible. Because from what I understand, they are pushing Grilled Onion Cheddars to get people ready so the people will forget McDouble, and then its phase-out sometime this year.
ReplyDelete