Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

McDonald's trials custom-made burgers with 'Build Your Own Burger' on wall-mounted iPads

 

Felicity Morse
Wednesday 20 November 2013 14:03 GMT
Comments
McDonald's is trialling the new build your own burger in California
McDonald's is trialling the new build your own burger in California (Reuters)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

It’s a super-sized change that will send a collective rumble through the stomachs of fast-food lovers everywhere.

McDonald's is trialling custom-made burgers, with customers able to choose their own toppings and sauces on wall-mounted iPads. The patty is then cooked to order, rather than waiting under heat lamps for hungry diners to buy.

It’s bit more upmarket than many junk-food junkies will be used to, with diners at the two pilot restaurants able to choose from toppings like caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms and guacamole.

Diners who go for this custom-made option at Laguna Niguel, California, and Romeoville, Illinois will have to pay a bit more and wait a bit longer for their burger, making some question whether the pilot will succeed.

Customers can choose from three signature burgers or build their own, reports the Orange County register, who dined at the pilot chain.

Even the bread is different, with The SoCal burger, coming on a bakery-style bun with white cheddar cheese, chili-lime tortilla strips, tomato, lettuce and garlic sauce. Add a slice of bacon and it will cost you a dollar more. This upmarket burger comes served in a steel basket, completing your not-quite-fine-dining experience.

“Customization represents another important opportunity for our business,” said Kevin Newell, chief brand and strategy officer for the U.S at a press conference.

Yet Richard Adams, who runs a consulting firm for McDonald's franchisees, told the Associated Press he was sceptical.

“They're not going to do that with a lot of customization,” he said. “Their growth potential has to be built on speed, not customization.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in