McDonald’s has announced that it is testing a new burger, touted as the “new Big Mac,” in the hopes that the fast-food chain can create an equally iconic menu item.
Parade reports that the “Big Arch” is undergoing test launches at select locations across the U.S., a development that will likely delight fans who have lamented the lack of exciting news being released elsewhere.
The first tip for the point of sale came from the popular Instagram account Snackolator.
This new burger “could become as iconic as the Big Mac,” McDonald’s insider said, according to the food blogger’s Instagram post on Saturday, August 24. The Big Arch is currently being tested by customers in three regions, including Canada and Portugal. According to Snackolator, McDonald’s intends to “see how the test goes in the three countries and then potentially roll it out to the US and other countries.”
The Big Arch consists of two beef patties, three pieces of white cheddar cheese, a “tangy” sauce, lettuce, pickles and onions, served “fresh and crispy.” It is said to be larger than the classic Big Mac, with all components sandwiched between two brioche buns. The Big Arch is currently being tested, so the exact launch date of the expected US market launch is unknown.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s announced earlier this month that it is expanding its presence into Ireland and the United Kingdom. The global fast-food giant has revealed that it will invest the equivalent of over a billion dollars in this latest venture and create 24,000 new jobs in the UK market.
In response to the increasing demand for takeaway food, McDonald’s intends to accelerate its expansion. The company will open over 200 stores in the UK and Ireland over the next four years, creating over 24,000 new jobs.
The fast-food giant and its franchisees have invested £1 billion ($1.31 billion) in the strategy, which is focused on high street locations, in what is the US company’s biggest expansion drive in the UK in over 20 years.
“We’ve come a long way since we opened our doors in Woolwich 50 years ago,” said Alistair Macrow, CEO of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, in a statement to The Guardian. “I’m delighted that in this milestone year we can demonstrate our continued commitment to growth and announce the creation of new jobs across the country as we plan to open over 200 new restaurants over the next four years.”
