It’s no roast beast, but McDonald’s Grinch Meal is carving its way into the holiday zeitgeist.
The promotion has emerged as a surprise hit for the fast-food giant, with social media peppered by videos of stressed employees and hungry, frustrated consumers trying to get their hands on the bright green box.
The meal, which launched last week, is inspired by Dr. Seuss’ grumpy green character. The limited-time offer features Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker fries, the fast-food chain announced in a press release. Every Grinch Meal includes a pair of holiday socks “scribbled with messages from the Grinch himself.” The socks come in four “unhinged” colors: yellow, red, blue and green.
“Sprinkle the tangy, dill pickle seasoning into the McShaker bag and shake for a bold twist on our World Famous Fries® that will make your taste buds pucker with delight,” the company added in the release.
The fries and seasoning are paired with a choice of a Big Mac or a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets and a medium drink.
The Grinch Meal has quickly soared in popularity.
“The McDonald’s Grinch Meal is taking everything by storm,” McDonald’s senior marketing director Guillaume Huin said Friday on X. “Performance levels we have not even seen during the Minecraft Meal or the return of Snack Wrap.”
McDonald’s staff members posted to social media to discuss the surge in customer traffic due to the high-demand item.
One employee frantically discusses her busy work day in a TikTok posted on Friday, writing, “This grinch meal is the worst.” Some customers on the hunt for the meal have posted signs from locations that have sold out of the meal.
McDonald’s responded to customers’ complaints that they were unable to score a Grinch Meal in a post on X on Monday morning.
The Grinch Meal “was available only while supplies last, at participating restaurants,” the fast-food chain wrote. “Check with your local McDonald’s restaurants for availability.”
At least some locations appear to still have them in stock. NBC News was able to get one of the meals from a McDonald’s in Manhattan for $18.70 with a drink. Prices appear to vary depending on the location.
McDonald’s has in the past seen considerable success with its promotions, most notably around celebrities like the rapper Travis Scott.
The Grinch success comes as fast-food chains have at times struggled in the face of broader economic challenges, most notably consumers looking to spend less.
In September, McDonald’s expanded its value menu, and CEO Chris Kempczinski warned of an emerging two-tiered economy.
“Particularly, with middle- and lower-income consumers, they’re feeling under a lot of pressure right now,” Kempczinski said.
This consumer pressure has also been reflected in the casual restaurant sector, where companies are trying to balance rising costs with penny-pinching customers.
