McDonald's fast-food dominance is growing this year. In the first quarter of 2023, profits and revenue exceeded estimates and same-store sales rose 12.6% globally.
McDonald's credited its recent success to a simple yet creative renaming of a popular menu item, the McCrispy.
In 2019, Popeyes' chicken sandwich became a hit, and other fast-food companies started making their own copies. McDonald's February 2021 Crispy Chicken Sandwich included fried chicken and crinkle-cut pickles on a toasted, buttered potato bread.
In March, McDonald's rebranded the Crispy Chicken Sandwich to the McCrispy, joining the Chicken McNuggets and McFlurry in the "Mc" club.
Last month's name change and the release of two limited-edition sandwiches in recognition of it drove "double-digit sales growth." McDonald's McCrispy sales rose despite "no change to the core product."
McDonald's Accelerating the Arches growth plan, which emphasizes reinventing staple menu items, benefits from the McCrispy buzz.
McDonald's sought to capitalise on the popularity of newer favorites like the McCrispy and expected that chicken would be a "growth driver" worldwide.
McDonald's also stated last month that it will improve their famous burgers nationwide by 2024. Use softer buns, melt cheese, and fry onions directly on burger patties.
McDonald's also introduced a Strawberry Shortcake McFlurry, Spicy Chicken McNuggets, and Big Mac sauce dip cups.