McDonald’s CEO Criticized for Small Bite of New Big Arch Burger Video
Chris Kempczinski, the president and CEO of McDonald’s, recently faced criticism for a video in which he sampled the new Big Arch burger. This video, posted on February 3, 2023, received increased attention when comedian Garron Noone mocked it on TikTok on February 25, leading to a wave of online reactions. The Big Arch burger features two quarter-pound beef patties, white cheddar cheese, crispy onions, pickles, lettuce, and Big Arch sauce, served on a sesame and poppyseed bun.
Overview of the Big Arch Burger
The Big Arch, a new addition to McDonald’s menu, includes the following ingredients:
- Two quarter-pound beef patties
- White cheddar cheese
- Crispy and slivered onions
- Pickles
- Lettuce
- Big Arch sauce (a mix of mustard, pickle, and sweet tomato flavors)
- Sesame and poppyseed bun
In the initial video, Kempczinski gave a generic description of the burger, referring to it as “the product” rather than naming it directly. He described it as “distinctively McDonald’s,” adding that it had a balance of flavors but did not provide strong enthusiasm regarding the taste.
Viral Response to the Video
Following the video’s release, Noone’s TikTok commentary helped it gain traction. His humorous critique labeled the clip as “the funniest thing” he had ever seen. Noone’s mock request for “two burger product” resonated well with audiences, gaining millions of views.
Further parody arose from another comedian, Cat Sullivan, who imitated the CEO while displaying exaggerated reluctance to taste the burger. Her video achieved over 17 million views. These comedic takes prompted a flood of comments on Kempczinski’s original post, many joking about his apparent unfamiliarity with fast food.
Social Media Engagement
As the video continued to circulate, McDonald’s social media accounts began engaging with the situation. On March 3, they posted, “Take a bite of our new product,” paired with an image of the Big Arch, acknowledging the viral moments in a light-hearted manner. The comments section was filled with humor, suggesting that Kempczinski was not accustomed to eating at McDonald’s.
Despite the humor directed towards him, Kempczinski stated that he regularly eats at McDonald’s three to four times per week, often sharing these moments on his Instagram account, where he typically takes larger bites. Overall, while the initial video may not have had the expected impact, it has generated significant online engagement, transforming a simple product endorsement into a widely discussed topic.
