McDonald’s tweaks $1 double cheeseburger to save money
August 7th, 2008, 7:01 am · 11 Comments · posted by Nancy Luna, Staff Writer
The Wall Street Journal reported the other day that some McDonald’s restaurants are being stingy — cutting back on expensive ingredients used in the chain’s $1 double cheeseburger.
“In an interview, Don Thompson, president of McDonald’s U.S. business, said the company has tested ways to make the burger less expensive to make. Some restaurants are selling it with one slice of cheese instead of two, and billing it as a “double hamburger with cheese.” Others are offering a double hamburger without cheese,” according to the WSJ report.
Prices in these test markets are also being raised, the report said.
So, are McDonald’s restaurants in Southern California cutting the cheese — so to speak — on their burgers?
Here’s what McDonald’s told me: “No, Southern California McDonald’s restaurants are not participating in these double cheeseburger tests.”
The Journal also reported possible changes coming in the Dollar Menu. If you have any suggestions on how McDonald’s can improve its value menu, please comment here.
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- Restaurant industry hurting even more by economy, new data shows
- Taco Bell introduces cheap, cheap value menu
- Del Taco pushing $2.99 triple meat burgers
- Tanking economy = fast-food bargains in 2008
August 7th, 2008 at 10:43 am
My favorite dollar menu item is the 2 for $1 apple pies- they are delicious!
August 7th, 2008 at 11:39 am
I know someone who’s a McDonalds franchisee.
The double cheeseburger is the same as a big mac with a different bun. Even a year ago, they lost money on every one they sold.
Considering thier food input costs have about doubled, I’m suprised it’s still on the menu at all.
August 7th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
That burger is the best for your money. I’m so sick of these billion dollar companies tweeking with what we buy but raising prices along the way. I’m going to get a few today,I start my diet tomorrow,haha.
August 7th, 2008 at 2:49 pm
At the McDonald’s I frequent, guess which has the higher price–the single cheeseburger or the double cheeseburger? The single. As I’m ordering the single, I’m tempted to order the less expensive double and just throw out the extra meat and cheese. But we waste enough food as it is. Hmm, could I order and pay for a double but have the restaurant omit one meat patty and one slice of cheese…?
August 10th, 2008 at 1:02 am
when is this supposed to take effect here in SoCal? I’ve had a double cheeseburger from mickey d’s 2 days in row now and haven’t noticed a change.
August 10th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
fast food addict: As stated in the post, McD’s said it was not doing this test in SoCal. So you are safe — for now.
August 22nd, 2008 at 11:38 am
About twenty years ago, Burger King had their cheeseburgers on sale for less than the price of a hamburger. My little sister did not like cheese on her burger. I asked them whether they would sell me a hamburger for the price of a cheese burger. They said no. So I ordered a “cheeseburger, no cheese,” and that’s how it showed up on the receipt.
August 31st, 2008 at 12:18 pm
if each slice of cheese is 30 cents then how can they afford to sell it for just $1? Im buying all the $1 dbls. they have before they stop selling them
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
The double cheese burger is the best item on the 99 cent menu. The day they take it off is the day I stop going.
September 21st, 2008 at 9:26 pm
is anyone else concerned that a slice of (what’s barely considered) cheese is the most expensive ingredient on the burger? makes me question the quality (and therefore safety) of their meat…