The truth about McDonald's ice cream machines
We're often told McDonald's ice cream machines are "broken." What does that really mean?
The moment many have been waiting for is finally here. McDonald’s has started selling its Shamrock Shake, a mint-flavored milkshake that becomes temporarily available each spring.
This sought-after treat can be hard to come by, as McDonald's customers are continuously told that the machine “is broken.” We spoke with the general manager of a local McDonald’s location to find out what that really means.
Tune in to the audio story below to find out:
In addition to controversy about ice cream machines, McDonald’s has faced some backlash regarding some changes to its menu.
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many changes to McDonald’s popular menu. All-day breakfast was removed in many locations, and popular items were taken off the menu. Some of these items include salads, yogurt parfaits, bagels and any items containing grilled chicken, according to Joshua Clark, a manager at the McDonald’s location in Washington, Illinois.
“At least half of our menu, if not more, was removed due to COVID,” Clark said. Some of these items have returned in participating McDonald’s locations, however Washington McDonald’s is not one of them.
Many customers were displeased with the changes to the menu, as they had to find a new item to order or visit a different fast-food restaurant. When told why the items were removed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing issues, many customers were considerate. Other customers share their opinion with employees.
Customers at the Washington McDonald’s attempt to order items from the old menu, despite those items being gone for over two years. According to Clark, in order to get some of these items, customers have to drive hours away to some McDonald’s locations in the Chicago area, which is upsetting to many.
McDonald’s has released some new items to its menu in some locations, including the crispy chicken sandwich, spicy chicken nuggets and a plant-based burger.