Latest news with #ShamrockShake
Miami Herald
6 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
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
McDonald's restaurants donate over $6K through fundraiser
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – According to officials, local McDonald's restaurants presented a donation of $6,424 to Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of the Ohio Valley on Friday as part of the annual Shamrock Shake fundraiser. Officials say throughout the fundraiser, 25 cents from every Shamrock Shake and OREO Shamrock McFlurry sold at participating locations was donated to support RMHC's mission of keeping families close during difficult times. Posey County couple married for over 50 years win Hadi Half-Pot raffle A spokesperson says the check was presented by representatives from locally-owned McDonald's restaurants who participated in the initiative. Together, the organizations are supporting RMHC of the Ohio Valley and the services it provides to families with critically ill children. 14-day closures needed for roads north of the Lloyd 'Each shake sold represented more than just a sweet treat—it was a show of support for families facing some of their toughest moments,' said Katie Kenworthy, local McDonald's Owner/Operator and RMHC Board Member. 'We're grateful for our customers and crew members who made this donation possible.' Officials say RMHC of the Ohio Valley offers a home-away-from-home for families while their children receive medical care, providing lodging, meals and emotional support—all at no cost to them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Siouxland gets donation from local McDonald's restaurants
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU) — Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Siouxland is the recipient of a big donation from Siouxland McDonald's locations. The donation of just over $6,533 is the result of local McDonald's Shamrock Shake fundraisers taking place in February and March. 25 cents from every Shamrock Shake sold at local McDonald's restaurants went to the Ronald McDonald House of Siouxland. National Music Museum receives $1M donation for renovations 'We're so thrilled every year that McDonald's is willing to do something like this to raise money through Shamrock Shakes or any of the other ways that they do it,' said Christy Batien-Clark, Executive Director at RMHC of Siouxland. 'We're so thrilled they support us in this way, get the customers involved in supporting the Ronald McDonald House. We're so grateful for everybody that came out to buy a Shamrock Shake knowing that it was going to help the house. This money is going to help with our programs.' The McDonald's in Vermillion, South Dakota sold the most Shamrock Shakes in the tri-state. The employees there will get a t-shirt for their efforts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
McDonald's snatches Starbucks' crown for the first time in a decade
McDonald's is the world's most valuable restaurant brand, dethroning Starbucks for the first time in a decade. After dominating since 2016, Starbucks has lost its crown to McDonald's, which has reclaimed the top spot, according to a report from consulting firm Brand Finance. McDonald's brand value surged by 7% to $40.5 billion from 2024 to 2025, while Starbucks (SBUX) saw a sharp 36% decline, dropping to $38.8 billion. Recent moves from the respective chains have been crucial to their rise and fall. Brand Finance data shows that Starbucks' decline is driven by drops in key brand strength metrics in both the U.S. and China, particularly in areas like 'reputation' and 'recommendation.' This reflects low customer expectations, rising dissatisfaction, and ultimately a decline in sales. In contrast, McDonald's has pushed forward with strategic changes to its operations, though not without challenges. Most notably, an outbreak late last year forced the chain to launch a $100 million recovery plan. Since then, the burger giant has been on a marketing blitz. Earlier this month, it reorganized its team into three departments, focusing on winning in beef, chicken, and beverages. New product launches, including the McCrispy and Chicken Big Mac, and recent promotions — like the return of the Shamrock Shake and $5 meal deal — have helped drive customer traffic. A collector's cup promotion also became a hit, with some selling for up to $100 on eBay. On the other hand, Starbucks continues to face challenges under the leadership of new CEO Brian Niccol, who is working to make the coffee giant a staple once again. Starbucks recently reported its fourth-consecutive quarter of declining sales, particularly in China, the company's second-largest market. Despite this, Starbucks is on the road to a 'Big Fix.' As part of Niccol's efforts to turn things around with a 'Back to Starbucks' strategy, the company has pared down its menu by 30%, promising to serve coffee in under four minutes. Starbucks has also removed 13 drinks from its menu, eliminated the extra charges for non-dairy milk alternatives, and is reintroducing TV marketing, condiment bars, and power outlets for paying customers. Not all the company's changes have been well received. Starbucks recently reversed its position on its 2018 open-door policy, which previously allowed anyone to sit in stores, following the arrest of two Black men at a Philadelphia location. In early March, Niccol delivered a stern message to corporate employees, urging them to step up their efforts and take more responsibility for Starbucks' financial performance after the company laid off 1,100 workers. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Want to save some green on St. Patrick's Day? Here's a roundup of deals and promos in honor of the holiday.
This is your reminder that St. Patrick's Day is Monday, March 17, meaning it's time to finalize those pub crawl plans or make those treats for your kid's classroom party. About 61% of American consumers are planning to celebrate the holiday. If you want to join in the fun of partaking in some St. Patty's Day-themed treats without spending a lot of green, you don't need to look to the end of the rainbow for a good deal. Here's a roundup of some of the promotions U.S. restaurants and fast food locations are offering in honor of the holiday. No rainbow? No problem. Panera will have a 'Pot of Gold' right on its menu, which features a green version of its famous sourdough bread bowl filled with its signature mac and cheese. The restaurant said the 'first-of-its-kind' dish will only be available in limited quantities on March 16 and March 17 in the greater St. Louis, Boston, New York City and Chicago markets. Panera fans who aren't lucky enough to find a 'Pot of Gold' at their location can enter for a chance to win free Panera mac and cheese for a year. Participants can text the word 'LUCKY' to 31261 between March 16 and March 21 to enter for a chance to win. MyPanera members nationwide can receive $2 off any size mac and cheese on March 16 and 17. Customers who wear green to Krispy Kreme locations, either in-store or in the drive-through, can get one free O'riginal Glazed Doughnut from March 15 through March 17. The O'riginal Glazed Doughnut is the chain's famous Original Glazed Doughnut but dyed green. Additionally, customers can enjoy a limited-edition St. Patty's doughnut collection featuring four festive flavors: Pot of Gold, Over the Rainbow, St. Patty's Swirl and Choco-Shenanigans. Royal Perks members can get free onion rings, any size, with at least a $1 purchase only on March 17. In addition, the fast food chain's combos promotion lets customers 'have it their way' and offers free fries upgrades to Chicken Fries, Mozzarella Fries or Churro Fries through April 11. Customers can get a free corned beef reuben sandwich with a minimum $15 purchase. Make note that the deal is only through Sunday, March 16. Caniac Club members can get a free Leprechaun Lemonade on March 17 at participating locations. The chain posted on social media that customers can get a free Lucky Mint Trio drink with a $5 minimum order on the app during Saint Patrick's Day weekend. Flavors include the Oreo mint shake, mint twisted soda or the Oreo mint mocha sweet cream iced coffee. For the first time in five years, Dairy Queen's mint Oreo Blizzard has emerged from the depths of the freezer and is back on the menu for a limited time for St. Patty's Day. Last but not least, the OG of Saint Patrick's Day-themed fast food. The iconic mint green Shamrock Shake is back for a limited time. It's made of vanilla soft-serve ice cream blended with the McDonald's minty Shamrock Shake syrup, topped with light whipped cream. For every Shamrock Shake purchase, 25 cents will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities through March 23.
