It's bigger than a Big Mac and it's cheesier than a Quarter Pounder with cheese.
Starting March 3, Americans can finally try McDonald's newest menu item - the Big Arch - but bosses say, for now, it is not a permanent addition in the US as it is some countries.
The Big Arch is a new, supersized burger featuring two beef patties, three slices of white processed cheese, crispy and fresh onions, pickles, lettuce and a brand-new tangy 'Big Arch' sauce.
It all comes in a sesame and poppy seed bun - a nod to the iconic Big Mac, which uses a sesame seed bun.
'It's like all your favorite McD burgers in one burger,' McDonald's said. Burger fans who tried the Big Arch abroad described it as 'massive', with one saying it felt like 'two Big Macs in one'.
Big Arch Tested Overseas Ahead of US Launch
The Big Arch, thought to cost around $6 to $10 depending on location, is the chain's biggest burger ever, clocking in at 1020 calories and 53g of protein in the US. A Big Arch Meal, with a medium coke and medium fries, is 1610 calories.
The burger was tested in Canada, the UK, Portugal, Germany and France - where bosses say it proved a hit - before finally launching in the US more than two years after it was first mooted.
It is likely that if the Big Arch sells well in the US - and is profitable - then it will become a permanent addition as it has in the UK.
In Canada, a Big Arch meal with fries and a drink was priced at about $12.59 - roughly $9 in US dollars - positioning it as a step up from existing burgers but still cheaper than many rivals.
Fans Itching to Try New Burger
'Customers are responding to this more satisfying burger that meets demand for something heartier while still feeling distinctly McDonald's,' global chief restaurant experience officer Jill McDonald said.
Fans in the US are already itching to try this new burger. 'Had this when it was in Canada,' one Reddit user said. 'In my opinion, I prefer the Big Arch over the Big Mac and the Quarter Pounder. I find the ratio of everything quite pleasing and tasty.'
McDonald's describes the new Big Arch sauce as 'tangy and creamy,' with a mix of mustard, pickle, and sweet tomato flavors.
'Would love to have that white cheddar cheese and crispy onions on a normal quarter pounder,' another Reddit user wrote.
The plan for the bigger burger came after McDonald's fought to win customers back after 2024 saw the company report its first sales decline since Covid lockdowns shut restaurants.
Big Arch Push Comes Amid Promotions and Menu Scrutiny
A slew of offers, including a four-item meal deal for $5, in the second half of 2024 and into 2025 helped boost sales.
McDonald's has tested bigger options before.
In January 2023, the Double Big Mac -- with four patties instead of two and extra sauce -- returned for a limited time for $7, and was a hit while on sale for a month.
McDonald's remains one of the world's largest franchises, but it is now longer the biggest after being dethroned by Chinese cafe chain Mixue Ice Cream & Tea.
The Big Arch push also comes as McDonald's faces fresh scrutiny over other parts of its menu.
The company was recently hit with a proposed class action lawsuit over the McRib, with four plaintiffs accusing the fast-food giant of misleading customers about what the sandwich actually contains.
McDonald's Lures Customers Back After $18 Big Mac Uproar
McDonald's is clawing back customers after a bruising backlash over soaring menu prices - but its biggest rival has quietly edged ahead.
The fast food giant built its empire on affordability, once luring families in with its famous Dollar Menu.
But years of steady price hikes - and the viral outrage over an $18 Big Mac meal at a Connecticut location in 2023 - dented its value reputation.
'McDonald's has lost their goddamn minds,' one furious customer wrote at the time, as photos of the eye-watering receipt spread online and the eye-watering price was met with uproar.
But now the Golden Arches is drawing diners back in.
In its latest earnings report, the world's largest burger chain said its global same-store sales increased 5.7 percent in the three months ending December 31, beating analysts' expectations.
CEO Chris Kempczinski said Wednesday price cuts are bringing more customers into its restaurants. He noted that lower-income consumers are still facing financial pressure, but the chain is attracting more of their business.
'McDonald's is not going to get beat on value and affordability,' Kempczinski said during an investor call.
After the $18 Big Mac scandal, McDonald's hustled to regain its edge in the affordability market.
The chain introduced a $5 meal deal in the summer of 2024 and worked with US franchisees last year to lower combo-meal prices.
Franchisees, who set their own prices, agreed to give up some profit to make meals more affordable. McDonald's said it would help cover losses from the discounts and monitor prices to keep them reasonable.