Can you still call it a Quarter Pounder if there's more meat in it?
CNBC recently reported that fast food giant McDonald's is releasing a tweaked version of its iconic burger. According to an internal document acquired by the website, the updated sandwich will feature a newly shaped patty that weighs 4.25 ounces before cooking.
According to the article, the current iteration of the Quarter Pounder is made of a patty that stands at exactly 4 ounces before cooking and shrinks down to approximately 2.8 ounces once it gets into customer's hands.
The document states that the beefed up patty "improves the taste, texture and appearance of the burgers" because the "patties retain more moisture resulting in a juicier and more flavourful burger."
Speaking with CNBC, company CEO Steve Easterbrook said:
"We're always innovating around McDonald's food, drinks and restaurant experience based on customers' preferences, and that includes hotter food and reviewing cooking procedures, and we'll share more details soon."
The move is part of Easterbrook's plan to help turn around the Golden Arches' flagging sales figures.
McDonald's first quarter earnings report revealed that it plans to shutter around "220 under-performing restaurants primarily in the US and China." This news comes after the fact that the company already closed 350 outlets during the quarter. 130 Japanese branches are also said to be on the chopping block according to the report.
Bloomberg reported that McDonald's Net Income dropped 33% to $811.5 million for $1.2 billion a year ago.
McDonalds faces stiff competition from fast expanding niche burger brands such as Danny Meyer's continually rising Shake Shack. The small New York based burger chain went public in January of this year and raised $112 million in its IPO valuing the company at around $1.6 billion.
The new Quarter Pounder patties may begin rolling out in about a months' time.
