The McDonald's CEO said people making less than $45,000 annually are no longer buying from the fast food chain
The McDonald’s CEO said people making less than $45,000 annually are no longer buying from the fast food chain (Picture: Getty Images)

Outrage over a more than $7 Egg McMuffin and hash browns costing nearly $6 has elicited a response from McDonald’s that many customers want.

Beyond those prices that were listed on a receipt that went viral last week, the popular fast food chain has been roasted for a location selling a Big Mac combo meal for almost $18.

In an earnings call with analysts of Monday, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski stated: ‘I think what you’re going to see as you head into 2024 is probably more attention to what I would describe as affordability.’

The chief executive acknowledged that customers earning a salary of less than $45,000 annually have for the most part stopped buying McDonald’s. As the cost of groceries has decreased, many are instead staying home to eat.

McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski admitted that lower income customers have largely stopped ordering from the chain
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski admitted that lower income customers have largely stopped ordering from the chain (Picture: Reuters)

‘Eating at home has become more affordable,’ said Kempczinski. ‘The battleground is certainly with that low-income consumer.’

But Kempczinski’s definition of affordability may not be completely satisfying to customers. Prices of items are projected to still increase 2% to 3% this year, which is less than the 10% hike last year, restaurant analyst Mark Kalinowski told the New York Post.

Discounts on McDonald’s mobile app is where many of the discounts are expected to come from, according to Kalinowski.

McDonald's discounts may come through its mobile app
McDonald’s discounts may come through its mobile app (Picture: Getty Images)

The somewhat good news comes after a McDonald’s franchise on Round Hill Road in Fairfield, Connecticut, charged $7.29 per Egg McMuffin and an order of hash browns for $5.69. Bespoke Investment Group, which shared an image of the receipt, asked X (formerly Twitter) users, ‘What has the world come to??’

And over the summer, another franchise in Fairfield County in Darien, which is one of the richest towns in the US, was criticized for charging $19 for a Quarter Pounder with cheese and bacon meal or a Quarter Pounder Deluxe meal. The location off Interstate 95 also charged $18.29 for 10 pieces of Chicken McNuggets, $18 for a McCrispy sandwich and $16.59 for a Filet-O-Fish.

Despite some uproar over pricing, McDonald’s has also worked to keep fans happy. On Monday, the chain released its popular Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock Shake, its green mint-flavored shake celebrating St Patrick’s Day, far earlier than years past.

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