Latest news with #McDonaldland
Miami Herald
7 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Forget Grimace, McDonald's menu adds bizarre new shake
Some may remember when McDonald's Happy Meals and toys featured McDonaldland characters. In 1971, McDonald's introduced McDonaldland through commercials and marketing to further market its brand to kids. This fantasy world featured multiple fictional characters, including Grimace, Birdie, The Hamburger, Officer Big Mac, Mayor McCheese, the Fry Kids, McNugget Buddies, and the iconic Ronald McDonald. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter This cast became memorable for those who grew up during that era since they were seen at every McDonald's location, in Happy Meals, and on merchandise. Related: McDonald's brings back unexpected breakfast item after 6 years However, in the early 2000s, McDonald's changed its marketing strategy and began phasing out the characters to appeal more to adults. After all, they are the ones with credit cards. Although this might have seemed like the end of an era, this tactic worked in McDonald's favor, allowing the chain to grow immensely and become one of the largest fast food chains worldwide. Image source: Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images Over the last few years, McDonald's (MCD) has begun using nostalgic marketing to boost growth. This strategy creates a strong connection between a product and customers' emotions, promoting familiarity and creating a positive association, which, if managed correctly, could eventually develop a loyal customer base. The fast food giant brought back some of the most beloved McDonaldland characters in 2023, including the Hamburglar, to promote its burgers, and a purple Grimace Shake to celebrate Grimace's birthday. Related: Forget the Whopper, Burger King has a wild new burger This year, McDonald's also returned the seasonal Shamrock Shake to its menu, featuring O'Grimacey, Grimace's green Irish uncle. To kick off the beginning of June on another nostalgic note, the fast food giant has released another menu item that will take customers back to their childhood and remind them of "winning that big prize at every summer carnival you've ever been to," as stated on the McDonald's website. After teasing its debut on social media for a few days, McDonald's has finally unveiled its latest milkshake, the Cotton Candy Shake. This newest menu addition features vanilla soft serve mixed with cotton candy syrup. But there's a catch: Unfortunately for the U.S., this milkshake is only available at all participating locations in Canada, which once again excludes its home country's fans. McDonald's adapts its menu in different countries based on cultural preferences or conveniently available foods. The same goes for limited-time additions or seasonal items. More Food News: Walmart makes deal to open popular food chain in storesPopular fast-food burger chain to open first store in new marketPopular chicken chain brings back beloved menu item after 7 years However, just because McDonald's launches a new menu item in one country doesn't mean the chain can't launch it elsewhere. If the same ingredients are available in another country for around the same rate, and there's enough demand for it, the item can be brought to other markets. This is why exclusive menu items may overlap across some countries. McDonald's has neither confirmed nor denied that it will bring the Cotton Candy Shake to the U.S., but fans can only hope its debut is successful enough in Canada to potentially launch it in the States. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Area Ronald McDonald Houses to benfit from McDonald's Shamrock Shakes
KSN/KODE—For every McDonald's Shamrock Shake sold until March 23, money will be donated to Ronald McDonald Houses nationwide. Locally, the Ronald McDonald House of the Four States will also benefit from those who indulge in Shamrock Shakes. The Ronald McDonald House of the Four States is a 'home away from home' for the families of seriously ill children and ill expectant mothers being treated at Freeman Health System and Mercy Hospital Joplin. It is located at 3402 South Jackson in Joplin. The goal is to raise $5 million nationally, which could provide 50,000 overnight stays for families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses. The Ronald McDonald House of the Four States opened on July 27, 1998, and has served hundreds of families in the Four States area. A common misconception is that a Ronald McDonald House is owned or in some way funded by the McDonald Corporation. Each Ronald McDonald House is locally owned and operated. This Shamrock Season honors the fundraiser that helped open the first Ronald McDonald House over 50 years ago. 'We love knowing that local proceeds from our delicious, minty treat will help to support local Ronald McDonald Houses in keeping families together,' says Alex Maffei, second-generation McDonald's franchisee. 'A core value for us at McDonald's is Family. Together, with our crew, customers, and iconic McDonaldland character, Uncle O'Grimacey, we're all helping Ronald McDonald Houses make families feel at home, even when they can't be.' Ronald McDonald House of the Four States is part of the only worldwide service of its kind. The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Fred and Fran Hill's daughter Kim was undergoing treatment for leukemia. During Kim's three years of treatment, the Hills grew tired of sleeping in the hospital waiting room and eating meals out of vending machines. Fred, a player for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time, rallied the support of his teammates and General Manager Jim Murray; Dr. Audrey Evans from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; and local McDonald's franchisees to create Ronald McDonald House. More than 50 years later, there are more than 377 Ronald McDonald Houses in 45 countries and regions, and McDonald's franchisees and its customers have donated over $1 billion to Ronald McDonald Houses. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STAY THERE? Families are asked to contribute $10 per night. If that is not possible, their stay is sponsored. . This 24-hour, 365-day-a-year program is operated by one full-time program manager, one part-time program coordinator, and 136 active adult and teen volunteers, as well as 16 junior volunteers and 16 special project volunteers. The House Manager oversees the day-to-day operation. Volunteers help with all aspects of the House, including housekeeping, providing support and services to families, performing night manager duties, preparing meals, and fundraising. All monies needed to operate the program are derived through individual and/or corporate donations. Ronald McDonald House is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization established as a 501c3. Donations are tax-deductible. Monthly operating costs average $26,900 per month. Click here for other ways to donate or get involved. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
McDonald's unveils new Grimace tumbler — but some customers are furious
Some McDonald's customers aren't lovin' the fast-food franchise's latest merchandise release. In the lead up to Valentine's Day, McDonald's announced it'll be selling a new stainless-steel tumbler inspired by the purple and yellow McDonaldland character Grimace — but only in Australia. A Facebook reel shared by the burger conglomerate revealed the dark purple cup with an animated outline of Grimace's face and a mustard-yellow top. 'Why Grimace Tumbler was made for Valentine's Day,' the caption read. '1. Beautiful eyes. 2. Cute smile. 3. Love handle.' 'You can't spell cupid without cup,' McDonald's continued. 'Get your boo a limited-edition Grimace Tumbler for Valentine's Day. Available at participating restaurants while stocks last.' The post, which has garnered over 7,200 comments, disappointed some U.S. customers who were dismayed to discover the portable cup won't be sold in the states. 'Unfortunately, it seems to be only outside the U.S. which you would think they'd say. I called a couple locations around me sounding like a crazy person,' one McDonald's fan confessed. A second said: 'I'm in the U.S. and if I can't get my hands on this, I'm throwing a fit.' 'I have called every McDonald's in my area in Indiana and none of them have even heard of this cup. I'm so disappointed,' another desperate fan admitted. For curious customers, the McDonald's website includes detailed info about the new release on an FAQ page. 'The Grimace Tumbler is a 1.18L stainless steel tumbler that is double wall vacuum insulated,' it says. 'It's the perfect accessory - keeping drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 6 hours. 100% of profits will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia.' One Facebook user said they weren't surprised the cup isn't available to American customers as the company doesn't often offer character merchandise in the U.S. 'It's sad McDonald's U.S. doesn't do McDonaldLand characters,' he wrote. 'You wouldn't even find a statue of Ronald McDonald outside a McDonald's store in the U.S. You'd have better luck seeing Donald cooking fries than seeing Ronald McDonald.' 'I realize U.S. for some reason never gets the cool stuff,' a fifth follower agreed. McDonald's began phasing out McDonaldland characters — Ronald McDonald, Grimace, the Hamburglar, Sundae, Officer Big Mac, Mayor McCheese, Captain Crook, the Professor, and Birdy the Early Bird — back in 2003 as the company began targeting an older customer base. The characters often appeared in commercials, promotions, on T-shirts, around restaurants, and as toys offered with Happy Meals for children.
The Independent
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
McDonald's unveils new Grimace tumbler — but some customers are furious
Some McDonald's customers aren't lovin' the fast-food franchise's latest merchandise release. In the lead up to Valentine's Day, McDonald's announced it'll be selling a new stainless-steel tumbler inspired by the purple and yellow McDonaldland character Grimace — but only in Australia. A Facebook reel shared by the burger conglomerate revealed the dark purple cup with an animated outline of Grimace's face and a mustard-yellow top. 'Why Grimace Tumbler was made for Valentine's Day,' the caption read. '1. Beautiful eyes. 2. Cute smile. 3. Love handle.' 'You can't spell cupid without cup,' McDonald's continued. 'Get your boo a limited-edition Grimace Tumbler for Valentine's Day. Available at participating restaurants while stocks last.' The post, which has garnered over 7,200 comments, disappointed some U.S. customers who were dismayed to discover the portable cup won't be sold in the states. 'Unfortunately, it seems to be only outside the U.S. which you would think they'd say. I called a couple locations around me sounding like a crazy person,' one McDonald's fan confessed. A second said: 'I'm in the U.S. and if I can't get my hands on this, I'm throwing a fit.' 'I have called every McDonald's in my area in Indiana and none of them have even heard of this cup. I'm so disappointed,' another desperate fan admitted. For curious customers, the McDonald's website includes detailed info about the new release on an FAQ page. 'The Grimace Tumbler is a 1.18L stainless steel tumbler that is double wall vacuum insulated,' it says. 'It's the perfect accessory - keeping drinks cold for up to 24 hours and hot for up to 6 hours. 100% of profits will go to Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia.' One Facebook user said they weren't surprised the cup isn't available to American customers as the company doesn't often offer character merchandise in the U.S. 'It's sad McDonald's U.S. doesn't do McDonaldLand characters,' he wrote. 'You wouldn't even find a statue of Ronald McDonald outside a McDonald's store in the U.S. You'd have better luck seeing Donald cooking fries than seeing Ronald McDonald.' 'I realize U.S. for some reason never gets the cool stuff,' a fifth follower agreed. McDonald's began phasing out McDonaldland characters — Ronald McDonald, Grimace, the Hamburglar, Sundae, Officer Big Mac, Mayor McCheese, Captain Crook, the Professor, and Birdy the Early Bird — back in 2003 as the company began targeting an older customer base. The characters often appeared in commercials, promotions, on T-shirts, around restaurants, and as toys offered with Happy Meals for children.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shamrock Shake is back — and so is Uncle O'Grimacey after decades away
The Brief McDonald's Shamrock Shake is returning on Feb. 10, available at participating locations nationwide. The fast-food chain is bringing back Uncle O'Grimacey, a long-lost McDonaldland character, to celebrate the seasonal shake. For every Shamrock Shake sold, McDonald's will donate 25 cents to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), with a goal of raising $5 million. LOS ANGELES - McDonald's is bringing back its beloved Shamrock Shake for the season, but this year, it comes with a side of nostalgia. Uncle O'Grimacey, a long-forgotten McDonald's character last seen in the late 1970s and early '80s, is making a comeback. The minty green Shamrock Shake returns to participating McDonald's locations starting Feb. 10, marking the unofficial countdown to St. Patrick's Day. But for longtime fans, the bigger surprise might be the return of Uncle O'Grimacey, Grimace's Irish uncle, who originally appeared in McDonald's ads decades ago. The backstory Uncle O'Grimacey first made his debut in 1975 as a festive McDonaldland character introduced to promote the Shamrock Shake. Unlike his famous purple nephew, Grimace, the green-suited, hat-wearing O'Grimacey hailed from "Sham Rock, Ireland," spreading cheer and enthusiasm for the seasonal shake. Though he was featured in McDonald's commercials and merchandise throughout the late '70s and early '80s, the character faded into obscurity. But now, McDonald's is bringing him back, with plans for him to travel the country spreading "Shamrock cheer" to fans. What they're saying McDonald's Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry will be available at participating locations from Feb. 10 through March 23. The shake, which first debuted in 1970, has become a seasonal fan favorite, often selling out at some locations. To celebrate the occasion, McDonald's is launching Uncle O'Grimacey-themed merchandise, including T-shirts and hats, which are available for pre-order. As part of the Shamrock Shake promotion, McDonald's will also donate 25 cents from every shake sold to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), aiming to raise $5 million to support families with sick or injured children. Dig deeper What started as a simple St. Patrick's Day-themed menu item in 1970 has grown into an annual tradition for McDonald's fans. The Shamrock Shake has inspired limited-time variations, including the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, and has even been the subject of social media "shake hunts" as customers try to track down the elusive drink before it disappears. Now, with Uncle O'Grimacey's return, McDonald's is leaning into nostalgia, bringing back a character many thought was gone for good. The Source This article is based on official McDonald's announcements.
