CNBC: Fast-food Menu Tests Suggest Upscale Items Could Be Coming To McDonald’s, Wendy’s

Fast-food chains are taking their menu innovation to the next level. McDonald’s and Wendy’s are both testing out upscale items to add to their menus, according to a recent CNBC article. With quality ingredients and a wider range of flavors, you might not even recognize the two brands.

"The pace of innovation at McDonald's seems to be accelerating," Nomura analyst Mark Kalinowski wrote. The chain has regionally tested a Pesto Mozzarella Melt made with pesto cream cheese, baby spinach and kale, sliced tomato and sliced mozzarella cheese for $4.99 in Southern California. In the last year, they introduced garlic fries in select markets as well.

Wendy’s is trying to differentiate themselves within the quick-service industry with new items including the Truffle Bacon Cheeseburgers and Bacon Truffle Fries. The truffle burger includes truffle aioli, truffle parmesan cheese sauce and a buttery croissant bun.

As consumer tastes are changing, even legacy fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Wendy’s are feeling the pressure to up their game. With same-store sales on the decline, limited-time offers and new menu items might be the solution to bringing in more customers.

Check out the full article here.