Randy Chandler
McDonald's, one of the largest fast-food chains, has evolved its menu since the 1940s, introducing a range of unique and experimental items. Some of these items have been discontinued due to various reasons, such as poor sales, low customer demand, or quality concerns. One such item that was discontinued is the grilled cheese. Although McDonald's never officially added grilled cheese to its menu, it was considered a secret menu item that customers could easily order. However, in 2018, McDonald's discontinued the grilled cheese Happy Meal option in Canada, disappointing many customers who relied on it as a healthy option for their children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grilled cheese at McDonald's | Secret menu item |
| How to order | Request a cheeseburger without the burger patty, or ask for two of the middle pieces of a Big Mac, toasted with cheese in between |
| Grilled cheese Happy Meals | Discontinued in Canada |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled cheese is still available as a secret menu item
McDonald's may not have grilled cheese on its menu, but it is still available as a secret menu item. In fact, it is considered a "menu hack" that can satisfy your grilled cheese cravings without any cooking on your part. Ordering a grilled cheese at McDonald's is quite simple. You can either request a cheeseburger without the burger or ask for two of the middle pieces of a Big Mac, toasted with cheese in between. You could even order a McMuffin or McGriddle sandwich without egg or meat to get your grilled cheese fix during breakfast time.
While this hack should be easy for McDonald's staff to accommodate, it's worth noting that not all locations will fulfill secret menu items. Additionally, some customers have reported confusion among staff when ordering a cheeseburger without cheese, with some staff members believing that the customer actually wants a hamburger. This confusion may stem from the fact that some McDonald's locations do not have a button for hamburgers larger than a single patty.
Despite the potential for confusion, ordering a grilled cheese as a secret menu item at McDonald's is certainly possible and can be a convenient way to enjoy your favorite comfort food without having to cook it yourself. So, the next time you're craving grilled cheese, don't hesitate to head to your local McDonald's and give their secret menu item a try!
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Customers can order a cheeseburger without the burger
McDonald's does not have grilled cheese on its menu, but it is considered a secret menu item. Customers can order a cheeseburger without the burger patty, which is essentially a grilled cheese sandwich. This is a simple way to satisfy a grilled cheese craving without any cooking. Although McDonald's staff should be able to accommodate this request, not all locations will fulfil secret menu items.
Ordering a cheeseburger without the burger is a straightforward process. Customers can simply request a "cheeseburger without the burger" or a "plain cheeseburger with no meat". While some customers have reported confusion or resistance from staff who suggest ordering a hamburger instead, others have successfully obtained their desired grilled cheese sandwich by emphasising their specific request.
It is worth noting that the terminology may be important when placing this order. Some customers have reported that using the phrase "cheeseburger with no cheese" can lead to confusion, as staff may interpret it as a request for a hamburger. To avoid any misunderstanding, it is recommended to use the phrase "cheeseburger without the burger" or "plain cheeseburger with no meat" to convey the intention to order a grilled cheese sandwich.
Additionally, customers can also order a Big Mac and request two of the middle pieces to be toasted with cheese in between. This option provides a similar experience to the grilled cheese sandwich, utilising the ingredients of the Big Mac. This hack can even be applied during breakfast hours by ordering a McMuffin or McGriddle sandwich without egg or meat.
In summary, customers can order a grilled cheese sandwich at McDonald's by requesting a cheeseburger without the burger patty. This secret menu item is a convenient way to enjoy grilled cheese without cooking at home. While not all locations may accommodate such requests, it is generally a straightforward process that can be enhanced by using clear and specific terminology when placing the order.
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McDonald's has a history of discontinuing items due to poor sales
McDonald's has a history of discontinuing menu items due to various reasons, with poor sales and low customer demand being common factors. The fast-food giant's approach to its menu offerings has evolved over time, occasionally introducing experimental items. However, when these new additions fail to gain traction, McDonald's has not hesitated to remove them.
One notable example is the Hula Burger, which was introduced in the 1960s but quickly discontinued due to poor sales. In a sales test against the Filet-O-Fish, the Hula Burger sold only six units compared to the 350 Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, leading McDonald's founder Ray Kroc to admit it was a "giant flop."
The Cheddar Melt, a burger with a quarter-pound beef patty, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and grilled onions on a toasted rye bun, also faced a similar fate. Despite its appealing ingredients, the Cheddar Melt struggled to gain lasting popularity. It was introduced in 1988 and made several comebacks, but inconsistent sales and limited demand led to its eventual discontinuation.
The CBO (Cheddar, Bacon, Onion) burger, launched in 2012 to compete with gourmet-style burgers from other fast-food chains, was another victim of poor sales. McDonald's executives cited their continuous evaluation of the menu for "innovative" items, but the CBO burger did not meet expectations in terms of profitability and sales volume.
In addition to poor sales, McDonald's has also discontinued items due to quality concerns, false advertising lawsuits, and environmental considerations. For instance, the Mozzarella Sticks, introduced in 2015, were discontinued in 2016 due to issues such as hollow sticks, false advertising, and taste and quality criticisms. The McDLT (McDeluxe), served in a styrofoam container, was discontinued in 1991 due to environmental concerns and customer criticism of its unassembled packaging.
While McDonald's has discontinued the grilled cheese from its menu in certain regions, it is still available as a secret menu item. Customers can order a cheeseburger without the burger patty or request two middle pieces of a Big Mac, toasted with cheese in between. This option is not widely known and may not be fulfilled at all locations.
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McDonald's has discontinued items due to environmental concerns
McDonald's, one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, has evolved its menu since the 1940s, introducing a range of unique and experimental items. However, the company has also discontinued various items over the years due to various reasons, including environmental concerns.
One notable example of McDonald's discontinuing an item due to environmental concerns is the McDLT (McDeluxe) cheeseburger. Introduced in 1984, the McDLT was served in a styrofoam container that separated the hot and cold ingredients of the burger. However, in 1991, McDonald's discontinued the McDLT due to environmental concerns about styrofoam packaging. Customers also criticized the unassembled packaging, expecting the burger to be served pre-assembled.
In addition to the McDLT, McDonald's has discontinued other items due to environmental considerations. For instance, the company introduced salads to its menu in 2005, offering various options such as the southwest grilled chicken salad and Caesar salad. However, in April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, McDonald's discontinued these salads as part of an effort to streamline operations and improve service speed. While not solely driven by environmental concerns, this decision likely had an impact on reducing waste and optimizing resource usage.
Another example of McDonald's discontinuing items due to environmental factors is the case of the Hula Burger. Introduced in competition with the Filet-O-Fish, the Hula Burger sold poorly, with only six units sold compared to the 350 Filet-O-Fish sandwiches. As a result, it was quickly discontinued in 1964. While the primary reason for discontinuation was poor sales, the environmental impact of producing and marketing a product with low demand was likely a contributing factor.
While not directly related to environmental concerns, it is worth mentioning that McDonald's has also discontinued items to make way for more ""innovative" offerings. For instance, the CBO burger, introduced in 2012, was discontinued in 2014 due to poor sales. McDonald's executives stated that they continuously evaluate their menu to bring innovative and profitable items.
In summary, McDonald's has discontinued items due to environmental concerns, such as the McDLT, and has also made decisions considering sales performance and operational efficiency, which indirectly impact the company's environmental footprint.
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McDonald's has discontinued items due to quality concerns
In addition to quality concerns, McDonald's has also discontinued items due to poor sales and low customer demand. For example, the Hula Burger, introduced in 1964, was quickly discontinued after selling only six units compared to the 350 Filet-O-Fish sandwiches sold in a competitive sales test. The Cheddar Melt, a burger featuring a quarter-pound beef patty with creamy cheddar cheese sauce and grilled onions on a toasted rye bun, was also discontinued due to inconsistent sales and limited demand despite its appealing ingredients.
Environmental concerns have also played a role in McDonald's discontinuing certain items. The McDLT (McDeluxe), a cheeseburger served in a styrofoam container to separate the hot and cold ingredients, was discontinued in 1991 due to the environmental impact of styrofoam packaging. Additionally, customers criticized the unassembled packaging, expecting the burger to be served pre-assembled.
McDonald's has also discontinued items to streamline operations and improve service speed, especially during challenging times such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, McDonald's salads, introduced in 2005, were discontinued in April 2020 as part of the company's efforts to streamline operations and enhance service efficiency during the pandemic.
While not a formal menu item, it is worth noting that McDonald's has also discontinued its Grilled Cheese Happy Meals in Canada in 2018, which has disappointed some customers who considered it a healthier option for their children. However, it is still possible to order a grilled cheese at McDonald's by requesting a cheeseburger without the burger patty or asking for two middle pieces of a Big Mac with cheese in between, toasted.
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Frequently asked questions
McDonald's has never officially included grilled cheese on its menu. However, it is considered a secret menu item, and you can still order it by asking for a cheeseburger without the burger patty, or two of the middle pieces of a Big Mac with cheese between them.
Ordering a grilled cheese from McDonald's is simple. You can ask for a cheeseburger without the burger patty, or ask for two of the middle pieces of a Big Mac with cheese between them. You can also order a McMuffin or McGriddle without egg or meat at breakfast time.
McDonald's has never released an official statement on why grilled cheese isn't on their menu. However, it may be due to the inconsistency of the term "plain cheeseburger" among customers and employees, as some customers have reported being given a plain hamburger when ordering a "cheeseburger without cheese."
Grilled cheese Happy Meals were discontinued in Canada in 2018. However, you can still order a plain cheeseburger without meat for your child.
