McDonald’s Testing New Burger Touted as ‘New Big Mac’

McDonald’s has announced that it is testing a new burger that’s being touted as the “new Big Mac” in the hopes that the fast-food chain can create a similarly iconic menu item.

Parade is reporting that the “Big Arch” will undergo test launches in select U.S. sites, a development that will probably excite fans who have lamented the lack of exciting goodies being released elsewhere.

The outlet was first tipped off by the popular Instagram account Snackolator.

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This new burger “could be as iconic as the Big Mac,” according to McDonald’s insiders, per the food blogger’s Instagram post on Saturday, Aug. 24. The Big Arch is presently being tested by customers in three areas, including Canada and Portugal. According to Snackolator, McDonald’s intends “to see how the test goes in the three countries and then potentially roll out to the U.S. and others.”

The Big Arch comes with two beef patties, three squares of white cheddar cheese, a “tangy” sauce, lettuce, pickles, and onions that are served “both fresh and crispy.” It is said to be larger than the classic Big Mac. All the components sit between two brioche buns. The Big Arch is now undergoing testing, so the precise start date of the anticipated U.S. rollout is unknown.

Meanwhile, McDonald’s declared earlier this month that it is extending its reach into Ireland and the United Kingdom. The global fast-food behemoth has disclosed that it will invest the equivalent of over $1 billion and generate 24,000 new jobs in the British market for this latest endeavor.

McDonald’s intends to increase its expansion in response to the rising demand for takeaway by opening more than 200 locations in the UK and Ireland over the course of the next four years, creating over 24,000 new jobs.

The fast-food giant and its franchisees have invested £1 billion ($1.31 billion) in the strategy, which is centered on high street locations. This is the U.S. company’s largest expansion drive in the UK in over 20 years.

“We have come a long way since we first opened our doors in Woolwich 50 years ago,” said Alistair Macrow, the chief executive officer of McDonald’s UK and Ireland, in a statement to The Guardian. “I’m delighted that in this milestone year we are able to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to growth and announce the creation of new jobs across the country as we plan to open over 200 new restaurants over the next four years.”