McDonald’s is looking to expand their menu a bit, and they’re going to do it in a way that also takes aim at their less obvious competitors.
The fast-food company says they’re planning to roll out a bone-in chicken wing next month that will be available through November, and while other burger joints–like Wendy’s–have also introduced new chicken items recently, experts say McDonald’s has a new spin on it that sets them apart and puts them in line with KFC and Popeye’s.
“Anyone can do nuggets or tenders and almost all burger chains do, but Mighty Wings are different because they’re bone-in chicken,” Scott Hume of Burger Business said. “They’re also tougher to source in large numbers but McDonald’s has the clout to do it.”
The move comes after some testing in limited locations and may be related to one many fast-food companies are making lately–to freshen up their menu and offer more varied choices–but it also could have something to do with the time of year.
“They’re being more innovative, and they’re being more aggressive with the changes on their menu,” Peter Saleh, an analyst at Telsey Advisory Group, said. “This is good news because it’s in conjunction with the football season.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be McDonald’s without a decent price, so the 3-piece version starts at just $2.99. There’s also a five and ten-piece option; the wings are seasoned with cayenne and chili pepper and come with sauces including creamy ranch, honey mustard and tangy barbecue.
The news is the latest in a string of changes made to the fairly sizable menu; in May, the company announced they would be doing away with the Angus burger and introducing three new quarter-pounders. In June, they added breakfast items to the “After Midnight” menu.
Image: McDonald’s