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A recent TikTok video shot to viral status when a woman showed off her giant McDonald’s $12 dinner box that she had ordered. It looked like a dream come true, but it’s turning out that it just might’ve been a bust…McDonald’s has weighed in, and as these things go – the deal isn’t quite the deal we thought it was.
TikToker, Leiela Kapewa-Latu recently posted the video to her account, gushing over a Dinner Box she had ordered from McDonald’s for just $12. It contained:
- 2 Cheeseburgers
- 4 small Fries
- One 10-pc Chicken McNugget
- 2 Big Macs
But alas, things took a turn when people watching the video, took her advice and set out to order their own Dinner Box. The comments started stacking to the $12 contrary with prices ranging from $18, $27, and $35 for the same dinner box.
And then McDonald’s jumped in to shine a little clarity on the situation.
They said in a statement:
“Franchisee store owners set their own prices and have the flexibility to create promotions that will drive demand in their restaurants. These promotions may vary by restaurant. Generally, shareable, bundled deals vary by location and fans can access them through the app.”
Which makes sense since McDonald’s operates as a franchise, and many locations are owned and run by independent businesses. This gives them some leeway in setting prices and even creating their own promotions. So, that $12 dinner box? It might be a Texas-sized bargain, but it likely won’t be on the menu everywhere.
According to McDonald’s, they recommend checking the McDonald’s app or asking your local restaurant about “shareable” or “family” meal options. While there might not be a universal $12 dinner box, there’s a good chance you’ll find something that feeds your crew without breaking the bank.
This comes in a time when customers are looking to save any way they can at both fast food chains, and grocery stores. This being the latest hack to pop up, albeit with a large margin of disappointment. Thankfully, McDonald’s has taken notice of waning traffic from value-seekers, and lower-income customers, as they discussed it in an earnings call – strategizing for ways to bring them back by adding $4 meal deals and bigger burgers to their menu.
What’s the lesson here? Social media can be a goldmine for hacks and hidden gems, but you need to double-check with your local store before you get your heart set on a viral deal.
In the meantime, we can’t blame you for craving a Big Mac and some fries.
