Why Did McDonald's Temporarily Remove Chicken Tenders?

Multinational fast-food giant McDonald's has faced several challenges, including the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to significant changes in its menu offerings. One such notable change was the temporary removal of chicken tenders from their menu. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision and what the future might hold for this fan favorite item.

The Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many restaurants had to scale back their menu offerings in response to changing consumer behaviors. McDonald's, like many others, had to make difficult decisions to ensure the company's financial stability and adapt to the new normal. Specifically, in 2020, McDonald's removed chicken tenders from its menu temporarily.

Menu Optimization During a Pandemic

According to Swing Manager at McDonald’s with over 6 years of experience, McDonald’s often rotates its menu items due to their popularity. Chicken tenders, known as Chicken Selects, were introduced in 2004 and have been a beloved option for many customers. However, due to the pandemic, many items that were once considered staples on the menu have been paused or replaced with seasonal or limited-time offerings.

“My McDonald’s has the buttermilk crispy chicken tenders on a seasonal basis. Due to the pandemic, there are many menu items that have not been available. So to answer your question, your McDonald’s may not have completely discontinued them; they may just have paused sales of them or are rotating them with another seasonal/limited-time item,” explains the Swing Manager.

Reasons for Discontinuing Specific Items

Interestingly, McDonald's has a history of rotating menu items and discontinuing certain products. This practice is not uncommon in the fast-food industry, as it allows brands to keep their menu fresh and enticing to customers. According to a Swing Manager, the decision to remove items is often based on the performance and profitability of those items.

“Usually, either making room for something new or they didn’t sell well enough to keep them around,” explains the Swing Manager, emphasizing the importance of profitability in menu decisions.

Impact of Supply Chain Disruptions

Another significant factor in the decision to remove chicken tenders was the impact of COVID on the nation's supply chains. Processing plants, particularly in the meat industry, faced outbreaks, which caused shortages and disruptions. Consequently, some restaurant chains opted to focus on their regular menu items to ensure a steady supply and maintain operational continuity.

“Some chains have discontinued items because of the COVID outbreaks in food processing plants, opting to focus on their regular menu items,” explains a Swing Manager.

The pandemic brought to light vulnerabilities within the food supply chain, leading many businesses to reassess their menu offerings and make strategic decisions to safeguard their operations.

Future of Chicken Tenders

While the future of chicken tenders is uncertain, if the item were to become a permanent staple again, it would likely be due to a strong demand and consistent performance. However, the current trend suggests that menu items are often subject to change based on various factors, including customer preferences and supply chain stability.

“If they weren’t making the desired profit, it is time for something new,” concludes the Swing Manager, emphasizing the importance of adaptation and innovation in the fast-food industry.

As the pandemic gradually comes to an end and normalcy returns, it will be interesting to see how McDonald's menu evolves and what new additions or modifications they will introduce. For now, customers should keep an eye on McDonald's digital menu or local restaurant for updates on the availability of their favorite items, including chicken tenders.