For Summer 2024, McDonald’s is reintroducing an old favorite among its customers known as the Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder With Cheese.
This Quarter Pounder will also be joined by the Smoky BLT Double Quarter Pounder to round off the summer menu starting July 10.
McDonald’s Announcement
In an announcement released on July 8, McDonald’s declared that “Everyone’s favorite sandwich is back!”
“Spotted: a delicious new addition to McDonald’s menu. Welcome to your one and only source for updates on the new menu items, returning fan-favorites and limited-time offers making their way to restaurants across the U.S.” said McDonald’s.
2022 Debut
McDonald’s is giving fans of its Smoky BLT burger a second opportunity to taste the sandwich after its initial debut in 2022.
In November of 2022, McDonald’s announced the new menu item as “Smoky meets sweet” and “bacon meets chocolate” as it introduced it in conjunction with the OREO Fudge McFlurry.
Different Dessert
This summer, instead of airing the item with the chocolatey OREO Fudge McFlurry, there will be a new dessert that features strawberries, bananas, and chocolate wafers. This dessert, also available starting July 10, is known as the Kit Kat Banana Split McFlurry.
“Imagine our signature, creamy vanilla soft serve, blended with real banana, strawberry clusters plus chocolatey, crunchy pieces of KIT KAT® wafer bars in every bite,” says the item description.
What’s On It?
McDonald’s describes the burger as “seasoned to perfection” and containing a “lingering smokiness.”
“The latest sandwich features our signature, 100% fresh beef Quarter Pounder patty* (or two when you order the Smoky BLT Double QPC), two slices of melty American cheese, three half strips of thick cut Applewood Smoked bacon, three fresh Roma tomatoes, shredded lettuce and a special, smoky BLT sauce – all on a toasted sesame seed bun,” said the announcement.
Limited Time
According to the announcement, this fan-favorite burger is only going to be on McDonald’s menus for a limited time and only while supplies last.
McDonald’s is wheeling out the big guns for customers to try to combat negative sentiment around the inflated prices of fast food in recent months.
Fast Food Woes
Fast food retailers like McDonald’s have been struggling to sell customers on value as more diners are increasingly viewing eating out as a luxury they can’t afford.
“Eating at home has become more affordable,” said McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski in February. “The battleground is certainly with that low-income consumer.”
Reaction Online
Some commenters to the story online reacted to the announcement with mockery, insisting that McDonald’s needs to focus on keeping its prices down over introducing menu items.
“Want to bring back something fans will REALLY like??? Roll back your prices about 10 years!!!,” said David Kirkpatrick.
McDonald’s Price Increases
Earlier this year, a study by FinanceBuzz estimated that the average price of a McDonald’s menu item has increased by 100% over the past decade, a figure that was three times the rate of US inflation.
McDonald’s has disputed this number, saying “This is not an accurate representation of historical or current pricing at McDonald’s restaurants, and the 2024 average prices listed are significantly inflated.”
Previous Burger Price
Concerns about price seem to be a top concern in the current fast food climate, as it was back when the Smoky BLT was originally released.
One reviewer back in 2022 noted that the item cost $6.99 and was the single most expensive single-patty sandwich on the menu. The two-patty version cost $8.79 and the meal upgrade added another $4 to the price. The price will likely vary based on region and location.
Mocking the Potential Price
Other users reacted to the story by mocking what the possible price might be given the recently observed price hikes in fast food.
“Starting July 10, McDonald’s is bringing back its Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese and its Smoky BLT Double Quarter Pounder. Only $19.99!” said Dan Vela.
Unimpressed Customers
While some were excited about the burger coming back, others wanted to suggest better choices they wished to see instead.
“I thought it was the big n tasty!!!” said one X user. “Bring back the big and tasty,” said another X user echoing the sentiment.
