McDonald’s USA, LLC, the iconic American fast-food chain that serves more than 25 million customers each day, opened its Chicago-based headquarters to EBONY on Jan. 22 for a sampling of the company's new bacon-infused menu items.
In preparation for the tasting, Chef Mike Haracz, McDonald's manager of culinary innovation, cooked and enhanced three Classics: The Quarter Pounder®* Bacon Burger, the Big Mac®** Bacon Burger and Cheesy Bacon Fries. These items are among the many options customers will now be able to enjoy during the restaurant’s first-ever Bacon Hour.
"I'm so grateful to McDonald’s for providing us with a sneak tasting of their new bacon-infused menu items. I devoured all the dishes that Chef Mike prepared. McDonald’s has always been my go-to for fast food, and with the addition of bacon to its dishes, I’m now truly hooked! If you like it like I do, the Bacon Hour is perfect for you,” said Brett Jeffries, EBONY's director of brand marketing, who attended the tasting. "Chef Mike is a culinary genius and a gift to McDonald’s customers everywhere,” she added.
EBONY was also introduced to one of McDonald’s newest ambassadors, James Wright Chanel, who shot to fame as a result of posting a video he made singing the praises of Patti LaBelle’s sweet potato pies, which went viral. After the tasting, EBONY spoke with Chanel, who was not shy about his love for McDonald’s or Bacon Hour.
"To be a part of the McDonald’s brand, it’s a little overwhelming. Now I feel like it’s my season and it’s my time,” he said. “Since bacon has been introduced into the menu, I’ve already had fries with bacon and cheddar cheese, the Big Mac®, the Quarter Pounder® and an apple pie I stuffed bacon in, and it was so delicious,” Chanel added.
Chanel’s creations are proof that anything on the McDonald’s menu can be "bacon'ized." During Bacon Hour, customers will be given two half pieces of bacon on the side with any purchase, which they can add to anything they wish.
About McDonald’s Bacon Hour
One day, January 29. One hour, 4-5p.m. (local time). At participating restaurants nationwide***. An hour-long celebration of bacon’s arrival to the Classics where customers will be able to get FREE bacon on the side with anything on the menu.
*Weight before cooking: 4oz.
**Available at most restaurants in contiguous U.S. Not available in Alaska, Hawaii and U.S. Territories.
***Limit one side of bacon per person with any order.
About McDonald’s USA
McDonald's USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.
Check out behind-the-scenes photos and videos below from the sneak tasting.
