McDonald's Grilled Chicken Sandwich Was Pulled for Low Sales, Former Chef Reveals
A former McDonald's executive shared the reasons behind the discontinuation of the grilled chicken sandwich and discussed the potential for its return amid rising beef prices.
The McDonald's grilled chicken sandwich, once a healthier alternative on the fast-food giant's menu, was discontinued in 2020 primarily due to insufficient customer demand, according to a former McDonald's manager of culinary innovation. Mike Haracz, who held the position from 2015 to 2019, explained that menu items must meet a certain sales threshold to remain profitable.
"Once [those] sales dips below a certain level, it does not make financial sense to keep it on the menu, as you will end up throwing away product," Haracz told Fox News Digital. He added that while the item was appreciated by some consumers, particularly parents seeking lighter options, its sales volume did not justify its continued presence.
The grilled chicken sandwich was first introduced in 1993 as a healthier option. McDonald's revamped the offering in 2015, renaming it the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich and preparing it with canola oil, olive oil, spices, and herbs. However, like salads, it was removed from U.S. menus in 2020.
Haracz noted that menu space is at a premium in McDonald's restaurants, with every inch optimized for profitability. Items that occupy valuable space without generating sufficient revenue are unlikely to remain on the menu. He also suggested that the sandwich's flavor profile may not have consistently impressed customers.
Furthermore, Haracz pointed to the potential for menu cannibalization, where a new item might draw sales away from existing popular products. Removing the grilled chicken sandwich, he posited, likely encouraged customers to continue purchasing other chicken items like McNuggets.
Despite its discontinuation, Haracz believes a return of grilled chicken offerings is possible. He cited the rising cost of beef as a factor that could drive McDonald's to expand its chicken lineup, as chicken can be a more affordable protein option. "Certainly chicken items, in general, will be more popular, not only because of the beef prices, but also, that is a bigger profit margin if McDonald's develops it appropriately," he said.