The coronavirus pandemic has shaken up the entire restaurant industry.
Small business and fast food franchises alike were forced to adapt to a change in consumer behaviors and the "new normal," which closed dine-in experiences and put a heavier focus on carry-out and drive-thru orders.
McDonald's has been one of the nationwide franchises forced to scale back its menu to prioritize the most in-demand items.
"To simplify operations in our kitchens and for our crew, and ensure the best possible experience for our customers, we are working with our franchisees and local restaurants to focus on serving our most popular choices and will begin temporarily removing some items from the menu over the next few weeks," Bill Garrett, McDonald's USA senior vice president of operations, said in a statement, per Business Insider.
Though he may have promised that the chain would "regularly evaluate the situation and look to move back to our regular menu as soon as possible," that hasn't happened for many fan-favorite items.
And, as you would assume, customers aren't "lovin' it."
Here are the seven menu items that have disappeared due to COVID.
All Day Breakfast
This one hurt… a lot. McDonald's beloved "all-day breakfast" model, introduced in 2015, took a hit in March with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Though the chain said it was temporary, there were reports that they considered making it permanent. And eight-months into the pandemic, the return is nowhere in sight much to customers' dismay.
Of course, McDonald's did try to make-good by rolling out three new breakfast items in October: Apple Fritters, Blueberry Muffins, and Cinnamon Rolls.
Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
If you're craving a chicken sandwich, you won't find the grilled version on the menu anymore. The Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich and the McChicken are the only two chicken options currently available.
Chicken Tenders
The chain's version of chicken tenders, "Buttermilk Crispy Tenders," have been stripped from the menu once again. To fulfill your chicken craving, you can opt for the 4-piece chicken nuggets for now!
Little Mac and the Double Big Mac
Back in March, the chain launched two version of the beloved Big Mac burger. The Little Mac featured a single patty and bun. The Double Big Mac consisted of four burger patties separated by a bun. Sadly, both of these were nixed when the chain simplified its menu. However, you can still get the regular Big Mac (just as good) alone or as part of the J Balvin meal!
Yogurt Parfait
If yogurt parfait was your go-to side, you're going to have to find a new partner-in-crime for now. The granola and fruit topped yogurt was cut when the chain announced the limited menu. Currently, all the chain offers is fries, apple slices, and slushies.
Salads
If you're craving a salad, you won't find it at McDonald's. Gone from the menu are all five salads: Bacon Ranch with Buttermilk Crispy Chicken, Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken, Southwest Buttermilk Crispy Chicken, Southwest Grilled Chicken, and the side salad.
Spicy Chicken McNuggets
The sizzlin' version of the signature nuggets along with the Mighty Hot Sauce were a huge hit and sold out two weeks after being released (not to mention they rivaled the nuggets of Wendy's), but they were always meant to be a "limited-time-only" menu item.
However, a spokesperson for McDonald's said that if "customers truly can't get enough, there's always a chance we'll bring limited-time menu items back in the future." Never give up on your dreams!
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