Getty Images
Adding to the growing list of menu tests the fast-food giant is conducting, McDonald’s Corp. is trying out Quarter Pounder burgers in northeastern Oklahoma that are made with fresh beef that’s never been frozen.
The test is taking place in 75 restaurants, and includes the Quarter Pounder with cheese, Double Quarter Pounder with cheese, Quarter Pounder Deluxe and Bacon Clubhouse Burger.
Fresh beef was first tested in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, McDonald’s MCD, -0.17% said in a statement released this week. The burgers are “seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper,” McDonald’s chef Chad Schafer is quoted as having said.
Also: McDonald’s takes on fast-casual with tech upgrades and table service
McDonald’s has announced a number of other tests recently, including the Sriracha Big Mac, a larger Grand Mac and a smaller Mac Jr.
The company also introduced a Chicken McNugget recipe in August that does away with artificial preservatives, as well as sandwich buns with high-fructose corn syrup removed.
See: McDonald’s latest push to attract millennials? The Sriracha Big Mac
The problem with gourmet burgers? Delivery challenges
Burgers are getting fancier and more expensive. Delivery companies are having to rise to the challenge of getting customers a hot, fresh and held-together burger. Here are their techniques. Photo: Deliveroo
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets believe, they said, that “more core burger news” could ultimately contribute to continued positive trends in same-store sales, alongside an easing of food deflation headwinds and broader adoption of the McPick 2 and beverage value options.
“Over time, McDonald’s needs to compete more effectively against the expansion of convenience-store food service and fast casual,” analysts wrote in a note published on Tuesday. “Our guess is that new value options and premium core burger news can help trends improve ahead of potential renovation news (for example, fresh beef).”
See also: The restaurant recession has arrived
RBC rates McDonald’s shares outperform with a price target of $140.
McDonald’s shares are up 1.7% for the year so far, while the S&P 500 index SPX, +0.13% is up 8.1%.
