McDonald's Big Arch Sparks Debate

The Big Arch is built with two quarter-pound beef patties, three slices of white cheddar, a mix of crispy and slivered onions, pickles, and a new "Big Arch Sauce," all on a sesame and poppy seed bun. This brings the total calorie count for the burger alone to 1020, while a medium combo meal with fries and a soft drink contains 1610 calories. The price of the Big Arch burger varies significantly depending on the location, with a study showing a range of over $5 across the United States. For instance, the burger could be found for as low as $7.46 in Columbia, South Carolina, while costing as much as $12.99 in Lewiston, Maine. The "BOGO deals via receipts" mentioned refer to a recurring McDonald's promotion where completing a survey on a receipt yields a buy-one-get-one-free coupon for any sandwich. However, customer reports indicate that individual restaurant locations have discretion on whether to accept this offer for the premium-priced Big Arch. This isn't McDonald's first attempt at a premium burger. In the past, the company introduced the Arch Deluxe and the "Signature Crafted" line, which were marketed to a more adult palate. These previous efforts were eventually discontinued after failing to gain long-term traction with consumers. For comparison, a Bacon Cheeseburger from Five Guys, which also features two patties, often costs upwards of $15, depending on the location. This places the Big Arch in a price category between standard fast-food offerings and the more premium fast-casual chains.