(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – McDonald’s is going all in on a 1970s-era character as the fast-food giant introduces a nostalgia-infused combo meal honoring Grimace.
This week, the Chicago-based chain introduced the Grimace Birthday Meal, which features a “limited-edition” purple shake, fries and the choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets.
(Editor’s note: a Big Mac version of the meal cost $15.48, plus $1.66 tax, at a Northwest Side McDonald’s; the only really unique item, the purple shake, flavor-wise was reminiscent of the old General Mills Boo Berry cereal)
McDonald’s is also launching the sale of Grimace-related games and merchandise to help fete the creature, who made his debut in November 1971 as McDonald’s was introducing cartoony characters to draw children (and their parents, the ones with the money).
Notably, Grimace originally was a quasi-villain with four arms and a habit of stealing milkshakes before his corporate masters softened his image. Today, McDonald’s says the character is “known for his signature fuzzy purple look, friendly and playful personality, love for shakes, and of course – ambiguous nature.”
The official Grimace dossier says the character hails from Grimace Island, and he has a huge family, including Grandma Winky, aunts Millie and Tillie and Uncle O'Grimacey.
He’s a bridge between the past and new generations, Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA, posits in a news release.
“Grimace is the perfect lovable icon to have McDonald’s meet our fans at the intersection of nostalgia and culture,” Hassan said.
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