History of McDonald's Marketing: Toys, Celebrity Meals, and Commercials
Founded in 1940, McDonald's has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small barbecue restaurant owned by brothers Dick and Mac McDonald in San Bernardino, California. In 1948, the brothers introduced the Speedee Service System, similar to the modern fast-food concept we know today.
Today, there are over 38,000 locations worldwide, making it one of the most successful and recognizable brands on the planet. While McDonald's continues to expand and innovate, with offerings such as the popular McCafe line and customizable burgers, it remains committed to its founding principle of providing customers with a quick and enjoyable dining experience.
How McDonald's has kept up with modern marketing trends
McDonald's has always been known for their quick and efficient service in delivering high quality food to their customers. However, they also recognize the importance of keeping up with modern trends and catering to a new generation of customers.
This is why they have recently partnered with popular music artists such as BTS and J. Balvin to bring unique menu items and experiences to their restaurants. They have also implemented technology such as mobile ordering and curbside pickup to make the customer experience even more convenient. Overall, McDonald's is committed to continuing to provide fantastic fast food service while also staying current with the latest marketing strategies.
From collector's edition Happy Meal toys to limited edition clothing collaborations with popular brands like Cactus Plant Flea Market, McDonald's knows how to effectively use promotional items to capture the attention of both longtime fans and potential new customers. The brand also frequently partners with popular celebrities, such as musicians Travis Scott and Saweetie, to create buzz and excitement around its menu offerings. These clever marketing strategies not only attract attention, but also help keep customers engaged and coming back for more.
A closer look at the McDonald’s celebrity partnerships
Travis Scott McDonald's has been on a roll lately, and it all started with their new "Cactus Jack Meal." On September 8 2020 they introduced this special promo for fans of the rapper who were also looking to get some good grub at one time. The meal includes fresh beef Quarter Pounder with cheese sizzling bacon, crisp lettuce. medium fries, BBQ sauce to dip, and a Sprite. The best part about this meal is that it was sold for only $6.
The collab didn't end here, however, because McDonald's and Travis Scott also teamed up to release an exclusive apparel line that included t-shirts, crewnecks, hoodies, and more! Scott reportedly made $20 million ($5 million from the original endorsement, and $15 million in merchandise sales) from the deal which also boosted sales for McDonald's.
The Travis Scott Meal swung the Golden Arches from an 8.7% drop in the second quarter of 2020, at the height of the pandemic, to a 4.6% gain in the third quarter. Travis Scott became the first celebrity with their own meal since Michael Jordan back in 1992.
J. Balvin The Travis Scott meal was a hit from consumers of all ages, so on October 5 that same year, McDonald's released the J. Balvin meal which included a Big Mac without pickles, medium fries with ketchup, and an Oreo McFlurry, for only $6.99! Although no merch line dropped with this meal, the aim of this promotion was to get patrons to download and utilize the McDonal's app so they could subtract the cost of the McFlurry.
Similar to Travis Scott’s McDonald’s merch line, J. Balvin was supposed to receive his own line that included bucket hats, burger slippers, and more. However, fans were disappointed after receiving an email from Vistra Lab, Balvin’s management company, stating that the orders were canceled due to a supply issue that “did not meet [their] expectations with the products”. Instead, fans received refunds, a bonus beanie gift, and a note from J. Balvin.
BTS In May of 2021, McDonald's continued their roll with strategic celebrity partnerships and released the BTS Meal. The BTS Meal was made up of 10 Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, medium coke, and two never before seen dipping sauces that were inspired by popular McDonald's South Korea recipes: Sweet Chili and Cajun. Similarly to the collab with Travis Scott and J. Balvin, McDonald's released a BTS merch line that featured shirts, sweatshirts, different types of bags, and phone accessories. The BTS Meal and merch line helped McDonald's Q2 sales increase by 14.9% compared to the same period in 2019, before the pandemic.
Saweetie I guess 4's a charm because in August 2021, “ICY GIRL” rapper Saweetie was the latest star to get her own McDonald's meal. The Saweetie Meal featured a Big Mac, a 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, a medium order of French fries, a medium Sprite, Tangy BBQ Sauce and “Saweetie ‘N Sour” sauce. However, despite the clever name change, the “Saweetie ‘N Sour” sauce was the same Sweet ‘N Sour sauce McDonald’s normally serves. McDonald’s also banked off of Saweetie’s “Ice Princess” reputation because her meal was served in “icy new packaging that was inspired by her style”.
Aside from the Saweetie Meal, a McDonald’s x Saweetie merch collection was unveiled that featured vibrant and pastel-colored t-shirts, tops, bottoms, and hats with designs that symbolized some of her favorite things. The collection featured a hoodie with a volleyball design was meant to capture her love of sports, a sweatshirt with palm trees that was meant to pay tribute to West Coast Hip Hop, and other pieces that featured popular items from McDonald’s.
These celebrity music meal collaborations were massively successful for McDonald’s. Sales at US stores jumped almost 30% in Q2 of 2021. The company says the BTS meal and its new crispy chicken sandwich helped drive that growth.
History of the Happy Meal
Additionally, McDonald's is of course well-known for its Happy Meal toys. Over the years, these collectibles have become highly sought after by both children and adults, with some individual toys fetching high prices on auction sites like eBay.
Did you know that McDonald's first introduced Happy Meal toys in 1979? The initial offering included a McDoodle stencil, a puzzle lock, and a McWrist wallet. Over the years, popular Happy Meal toys have included Hello Kitty dolls, Teenie Beanie Babies, Tamagotchi virtual pets, and Jurassic Park figurines.
Throughout the years, McDonald’s has partnered with many media franchises in order to provide timely, and relevant toys in their happy meals.
Happy Meal toys timeline
- Influenced by the fast-food industry, The Golden Arches released a new kitchenware line called “McDonald’s The Action Series.” You could get a reusable souvenir glass for just 49 cents or spend about $1 on fun plates with characters printed all over them! These pieces were still available at select locations through most of 90's. 1977
- When The Happy Meal was first introduced in 1979, it came with all the trimmings! You could get your hands on a box full of goodies including fries and cookies. Not only did they include food but there were also toys to keep you entertained while eating them - like McDoodler stencils or McWrist wallets for example (both designed by George Washington). These little gadgets had different items inside depending on what kind of meal option purchased: small bracelets if choosing between beef patties and chicken nuggets; puzzles that would provide mentally stimulating fun when completed correctly. 1979
- McDonald’s buckled up and boarded the Sc-Fi train when they partnered with Star Trek: The Motion Picture to offer themed Happy Meals and toys from that movie. It was actually their first time promoting anything other than food, so it's no surprise this experiment worked out well! 1979
- McDonald’s is in hot water after 10 million Playmobil Happy Meal toys were recalled due to safety concerns for children under 3 years old. Customers who bought one of these items received either an ice cream cone, cookie box, or refund in exchange. 1982
- McDonald’s and Mattel joined together in 1983 to create one of the best partnerships ever. For every Happy Meal you got, they gave out either a Hot Wheels car or a Barbie doll--depending on what gender preference your child had. 1983
- In 1984, McDonald's released a series of toys in partnership with the hit film Ghostbusters. These toys included miniature versions of the Ghostbuster team and their equipment, such as the Ecto-1 car and proton packs. The promotion was a huge success, with fans eagerly collecting all of the toys. 1984
- At one point in time, My Little Pony was a popular 80s toy. Then in 1985 Mcdonald's offered them as part of their Happy Meals and it became an instant hit with kids! They came back again throughout the 90's up until 2000 when they went out once more only for another short-lived time. 1985
- McDonald’s has been giving away books instead of traditional Happy Meal toys since 1986 with the series “An American Tail.” The stories follow Fievel and his family as they emigrate from Russia to the United States after their home was ravaged by cats. 1986
- McDonald’s has always been known for their traditional Happy Meal boxes, but in 1986 they started using Halloween pails instead. They were called “ Boo Buckets" and each one had its own name: McBoo, McPumpkin, and McGoblin. 1986
- This year, McDonald's got in on the Transformers craze with their McRobots aka Changeables toy line. These toys included famous menu items that would transform into mini robots like a Big Mac, a box of McNuggets, Egg McMuffin, Quarter Pounder with cheese, a large fry box, and a milkshake. 1987
- That same year, McDonald's also hopped on the Muppet Babies bandwagon due to the popularity of Jim Henson's hit animated show and released adorable Muppet Babies toys. 1987
- McDonald’s sure struck gold when they partnered up with Disney to provide toys inspired by their movies. During these years, kids could collect toys from The Brave Little Toaster, The Little Mermaid, 101 Dalmatians, The Rescuers Down Under, and many more. 1987 - 1991
- When a group of 18 adults in Ohio started the McDonald’s Collectors Club, they had no idea what impact their little club would have on generations to come. This club was for all those kids at heart who still love seeing toys and collectibles from one of America's most recognized fast food restaurants. It disbanded in 2016. 1990
- Chicken nuggets were first introduced to the menu in 1983, and McDonald's wanted as many people possible bite into those juicy little bits. To do so effectively though requires something that can grab their attention fast--a toy! That's why they came up with Nugget Buddies; small plastic nugget creatures wearing various costumes that were part of a collection of ten. 1988
- Kids can score a collectible Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle plastic drink cup for free with their Happy Meal! These were replaced by the traditional to-go cups, which now sell for about $25 on eBay. 1990
- When United Airlines first started offering Happy Meals on some of their flights from 1991 until 2001, they only offered them for trips going to Disney World. But eventually this offer expanded nationwide and patrons could get a toy-filled meal anywhere with just one call! Fries were not served in these happy meals due to poor reheating capabilities. 1991
- Presto-O Change-O ! McDonald's transformed their McRobots into McDino Changeables! These toys were an instant hit and were part of a collection of eight that featured: McDino Cone, Tri-Shake-Atops, Big-Mac-O-Saurus Rex, Hot Cakes-O Dactyl, Quarter Pounder with Cheese-O-Saur, McNuggets-O-Saurus, Happy Meal-O-Don, and Fry-Ceratops. 1991
- Da na na na na….toys from Batman Returns! In 1992, you could get your hands on a ton of cool merch inspired by Tim Burton's 'Batman Returns', including heroes and villains like Batman, Robin, Catwoman, the Penguin, or Poison Ivy on racer vehicles. 1992
- In what could be seen as a unique move, McDonald's helped promote Earth Day rather than their usual shows or movies. You could collect Happy Meal toys including a bird feeder along with binoculars and shovel for those who love nature! 1993
- This year in June, McDonald’s celebrated birthdays all month long! In each Happy Meal box you can find a piece of the “Happy Birthday" train. Ronald McDonald drives this conductor's hat-shaped vehicle with 9 other pieces following including E.T,The Bernstein Bears, and more to give customers a bit of birthday cheer! 1994
- In June, a limited edition 'Gotham Glassware Collection' line dropped that featured characters from the 'Batman Forever' movie. 1995
- That same year, McDonald's had a blast with their Halloween promotion. They were able to try new marketing ideas and get creative in the process! One such example is this spooky sounds cassette tape that came included with Happy Meals from 1995; there are four different tapes, each containing three songs played overtop one another so you can hear all of them at once (and no need for individual playbacks). And don't forget about toys dressed up as characters from Ronald McDonald Land--they're perfect treats or gifts on your own personal trick-ordered night 1995
- When Michael Jordan teamed up with Bugs Bunny to play basketball in the 1996 film Space Jam, it became a huge hit at box office. This led to some cool Happy Meal toys that fit together like puzzle! 1996
- The year of Disney is here! For the first time ever, Happy Meals came with toys from movies like The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, 101 Dalmatians, Hercules, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, and The Little Mermaid. That same year, McDonald's also sold collector Disney plates for $1.99! 1997
- The year of Disney is here! For the first time ever, Happy Meals came with toys from movies like The Hunchback Of Notre Dame, 101 Dalmatians, Hercules, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, and The Little Mermaid. That same year, McDonald's also sold collector Disney plates for $1.99! 1998 - 1999
- The Furby is one of the most sought-after toy lines in history, with over 40 million sold during its 3-year production span. It came as no surprise that when mini versions and keychain alternatives made their way into Happy Meals starting 1999 they were still popular enough to last until today! 1999
- The new Happy Meal toys in the 2000s were still mostly based on childhood nostalgia. During this year, kids could receive fingerboards – mini skateboards that could fit in the palm of your hands. 2000
- When kids began moving away from playing with toys to picking up video games, Sega took notice and created the first handheld electronic device that could be used in conjunction with every Happy Meal purchase. You could play mini-games inspired by Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Monkey Bal, and more on this popular brand new format! 2003
- The “Adult Happy Meal” is an innovative way to get adults excited about eating at McDonald's. With this, you could have enjoyed a salad and bottle of Dasani water with the option of adding one more item - either small pedometer for tracking steps taken on your day or 15-minute fitness DVD related yoga routines geared towards core strength training; cardio workouts such as jogging/cycling etc.; depending upon what would suit best based off preference! 2004
- The first Build-a Bear opened its doors in 1997 and by 2001, there were over 200 locations across North America. For a limited time during May and June 2006, you could get these little teddy bears as part of your Happy Meal! 2006
- The first Build-a Bear opened its doors in 1997 and by 2001, there were over 200 locations across North America. For a limited time during May and June 2006, you could get these little teddy bears as part of your Happy Meal! 2007 - 2009
- Select restaurants offered books by famous children's author Roald Dahl instead of plastic Happy Meal items! You still got all your favorites like Chicken McNuggets or French Fries but this time with some added entertainment from one little writer whose work has been loved around the world. The perfect way to make sure everyone got their fill before heading home after school. 2010
- McDonald’s was trying to combat against the increase of childhood obesity by providing apple slices and smaller bags of fries as well as a carton milk in happy meals! 2011
- In 2012, everyone's favorite under-the-sea sponge hit happy meals across the country. This series of toys was designed to promote the 2012 London Summer Olympics. The toys included SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, Mr. Krabs, and Sandy Cheeks! 2012
- In 2013 McDonald's started including QR codes on their food packaging. This not only allowed for coupons and discounts to be accessed with your mobile device; it also provided you access too all sorts of games (and even coloring sheets!) at happymeal .com! 2013
- You don't have to buy a Happy Meal at McDonald's anymore! Now you can get awesome merch, like the "HU" logo printed on some swag. The Hamburger University bookstore has everything an aspiring manager needs - from books about how best practices work in our industry and even training videos for those looking towards higher level management positions with franchises across America. 2014
- When kids were using emojis, McDonald's got in on the hype with these tiny plush toys. The McPlay App could also be downloaded and scanned for even more fun and games! These games show just how far Happy Meals have come when it comes to digital world playtime habits - they're not only making food here but providing an interactive experience too! 2016
- McDonald’s gave away a whole bunch of cool swag with every order made on Uber Eats. They gave out branded PopSockets and fuzzy socks to some lucky folks who just have to download the app! 2018
- McDonald’s celebrated their 40th anniversary of their Happy Meals with some nostalgic favorites. They brought back Furbies, Nugget Buddies, Power Rangers and more! 2019
- You can get the coolest swag year-round online at “Golden Arches Unlimited.” This store has awesome merch like beanie hats, pins and shirts as well an ultra cool burger shaped umbrella that is perfect for your next outdoor adventure! 2019
- McDonald’s has joined the ranks of Taco Bell and KFC by offering truly original promotional merch--limited edition candles that are scented like ketchup, pickles cheese (and other Quarter Pounder ingredients)! 2020
- McDonald’s did more than just serve “Thank You Meals" during the COVID-19 pandemic, they offered them for free to first responders. The meals were served in traditional Happy Meal boxes, and instead of toys, they came with a note of thanks and pictures of the brave men/women eating at McDonald's as kids! 2020
Here are some other media franchises that McDonald’s has partnered up with to release themed Happy Meal toys:
McDonald’s Monopoly Game allows patrons to win McPrizes
Another fun, interactive experience McDonald’s has implemented over the years is their McDonald’s Monopoly Game. This sweepstakes mimics the board game we all know and love by allowing customers to win a free menu items like apple pies, cheese burgers, fries, or if you’re lucky, something bigger.
The game acts essentially like a prize draw where you collect peel to play stickers that are included on select food and drink items. There are two types of stickers: The ‘instant prize win’ sticker gets you free food prizes, while the ‘Monopoly property sticker’ helps you toward bigger prizes like video game consoles, cash prizes, and cars. The McDonald’s Monopoly game began in 1987 and is still ongoing today. You can even scan your property stickers in the McDonald’s app for bonus ‘digital peels’ that will allow for more chances to win.
Special McDonald's Menu Items From Around The World
Aside from their strategic brand deals with celebrities and other media franchises, McDonald’s is recognized as the biggest fast food chain in the world with locations in over 100 different countries. McDonald’s has been able to create a menu that adapts and changes according to the needs, preferences or culture in each country. They do this by following local policies when developing new items for their restaurant's catalog so they can maintain customer satisfaction while still catering internationally.
U.S. McDonald’s typically offers hamburgers and fries, soft drinks, milk shakes, breakfast, desserts, and items made with chicken. But overseas, however, patrons can be sure to find items with Masala dosa, Halal chicken, Bulgogi, red bean layer cake, and other exotic food items.
Dosa Masala Burger, India
An Indian delicacy, dosa is a thin fermented lentil and rice pancake that is stuffed with spicy potatoes. McDonald’s India took this popular dish and made it more exciting with a sandwich that features a turmeric-spiced mashed potato, chutney, and pea patty in between two buns
McArabia Chicken, Saudi Arabia
The McArabia Chicken from McDonald’s Saudi Arabia features two halal grilled chicken patties with lettuce, tomato, onion and garlic sauce in a flatbread.
Matcha Red Bean Layer Cake, Hong Kong
Savory items aren’t the only option at McDonald’s overseas. Many countries have their very own dessert options that are part of the McCafe line. Hong Kong’s very own Matcha Red Bean Layer Cake is made with layers of matcha pancakes, matcha cream, and red beans.
Big Brekkie Burger, Australia
This large, scrumptious breakfast sandwich features a beef patty, hash brown, egg, bacon, melted cheese and barbecue sauce, all between a toasted sesame bun.
Chicken McDo with McSpaghetti, Philippines
Pairing fried chicken with spaghetti is a fan favorite among Filipino culture. The Chicken McDo with McSpaghetti follows this cultural trend and features a single piece of crispy, fried chicken with spaghetti in a minced beef and tomato sauce, topped with shredded cheese.
Bulgogi Burger, South Korea
Bulgogi, literally "fire meat", is a gui made of thin, marinated slices of meat, grilled on a barbecue or on a stove-top griddle. The Bulgogi Burger from McDonald’s South Korea comes with a pork patty glazed in sticky, sweet bulgogi sauce, lettuce and mayonnaise. The Bulgogi Burger also has modification options where you can add an extra patty or add an egg inside.
McPollo Italiano, Chile
Don't let the name fool you because this sandwich is 100% Chilean deliciousness! The McPollo Italiano consists of a crispy chicken patty, tomato slices, mayonnaise, and mashed avocados all between two golden sesame buns.
Cheddar McMelt, Brazil
If you're looking for an extra cheesy, flavoursome burger that packs a punch then look no further than this Brazilian delicacy! The Cheddar McMelt from McDonald’s Brazil comes with a thick layer of melted Cheddar and grilled onions in soy sauce, all on top of a beef patty between two dark bread sesame buns.
Taro Pie, China
The United States is home to the famous McDonald’s Baked Apple Pie. However, in China, you can find yourself a Taro Pie as well as a Pineapple Pie. These pies contain sweet and brightly colored fruit filling, and are loved by all!
Thai Green Curry Chicken Burger, Malaysia
McDonald’s Malaysia is home to many delectable, exclusive menu items but the Thai Green Curry Chicken Burger takes the cake. This burger features a crispy chicken patty, topped with plenty of green curry sauce and vegetable slaw in an oblong bun.
Poutine, Canada
As if the fries from McDonald’s weren’t amazing enough, Canada’s Golden Arches offers poutine that features fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Panzerotti, Italy
Much better than your average baked pizza rolls, McDonald’s Italy offers Panzerotti, deep fried turnover bites stuffed with warm, melted cheese and tomato sauce.
McDonald’s gives back with its Ronald McDonald House Charities Programs
Mickey D’s does more than fill their customer’s appetites, they fill their customers hearts with tender, love, and care. In 1974, McDonald’s established the Ronald Mcdonald House Charities (RMHC) so that families with sick children can stay close to them when they need treatment for a severe medical condition. RMHC provides housing for families near hospitals their loved ones are being cared for at called Ronald McDonald Houses.
Ronald McDonald Houses are their own housing facilities that act as a hotel for the qualifying families with sick loved ones. There, the families check in, have a place to stay, have access to food, and laundry rooms. The Ronald McDonald Family Rooms, on the other hand, are connected to pediatric facilities with similar amenities, only the families do not have a place to sleep.
In 2008, RMHC began their Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program which brought medical, dental, and health care resources to children and families who don’t have access to those care programs. Each year, with assistance from RMHC, Ronald McDonald Care Mobile delivers tens of thousands of dental, medical, and health education visits to communities around the world.
Every time a Happy Meal is purchased at McDonald’s, two cents are donated to support RMHC programs like Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
McDonald's launches Archways to Opportunity to provide further benefits to its employees
McDonald's has also been at the forefront of providing benefits for its employees. They created "Archways to Opportunity" in order to assist their workers in furthering their education. Since the inception of this program, McDonald’s has increased access to education for more than 75,000 restaurant employees and awarded more than $65M in tuition assistance. The Archways program is open to all employees at participating companies and franchised-owned restaurants working for at least 90 days and average of 15 hours per week or more.
The high school diploma and college programs within Archways are two of the most popular options for employees. The Archways high school completion program gives employees who have experienced education trauma the chance to complete their high school diploma. Their college tuition assistance program, on the other hand, helps employees eliminate college fees.
10 Fun Facts About McDonald's
McDonald's has also been at the forefront of providing benefits for its employees. They created "Archways to Opportunity" in order to assist their workers in furthering their education. Since the inception of this program, McDonald’s has increased access to education for more than 75,000 restaurant employees and awarded more than $65M in tuition assistance. The Archways program is open to all employees at participating companies and franchised-owned restaurants working for at least 90 days and average of 15 hours per week or more.
- The United States contains 14, 350 McDonald’s locations and only 10, 660 hospitals McDonald’s Coca-Cola tastes different from Coke served at other restaurants because the Coke syrup is delivered in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness while at other places it’s delivered in plastic bags
- Sedona, Arizona is home to the world’s only McDonald’s with turquoise arches. The owners of the franchise were told that they needed to make their location more in line with the area’s distinct desert environment. Turquoise was chosen to mimic the color of the sky while the orange and red colored building colors were choses to echo the surrounding terrain
- In 1965, The Filet-o Fish was created as an alternative to the traditional McDonald’s burger as a mean to cater to Catholics who couldn’t eat meat on Fridays during Lent
- There are no ribs in the McRib, just pork shoulder meat
- McDonald’s is the world’s largest distributor of toys. It gives away 1.5 billion toys each year with Happy Meals
- According to the Oxfard English Dictionary, McJob is defined as “a low-paid job with few prospects”
- McDonald’s musical jingle, “I’m Lovin’ It” was co-written by Pharrell and recorded by Justin Timberlake
- Outside of the United States, Japan is the largest market of McDonald’s
- Chickem McNuggets come in four distinct shapes: ball, bell, bone, and boot
The McWrap-Up
Overall, McDonald's has evolved to cater to the needs and wants of their customers. From healthier options to interactive and charitable experiences, they continue to innovate and offer something for everyone in every generation. And with all the cool merch and promotions, it's no wonder why this fast food staple remains a favorite for kids (and adults!) all over the world.
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