McDonald’s recently announced that they would be removing chicken tenders from their menu. This decision came as a surprise to many customers who enjoyed this menu item. Chicken tenders have been a staple on the McDonald’s menu for years, so why did they decide to get rid of them? In this article, we’ll explore the potential reasons behind McDonald’s decision to axe chicken tenders.
The History of Chicken Tenders at McDonald’s
Chicken tenders first appeared on the McDonald’s menu back in 1979. They were introduced as a lower-fat alternative to the popular Chicken McNuggets. Tenders were made from whole cuts of breast meat seasoned with the Colonel’s secret blend of herbs and spices. They became an instant hit and remained a permanent menu item for over 30 years.
At their peak popularity, McDonald’s was selling over 5 million pounds of chicken tenders per year. They were especially popular among kids and adults looking for a lighter chicken option. McDonald’s regularly ran promotions and combo deals on chicken tenders to boost sales. For a long time, they were considered a staple menu item alongside favorites like the Big Mac and McNuggets.
When Did McDonald’s Get Rid of Chicken Tenders?
In late 2021, McDonald’s quietly removed chicken tenders from their menu at most locations. Some fans didn’t even notice they were gone until they went to order them and were told they had been discontinued. The decision to cut chicken tenders was made by corporate as a cost-saving measure but was not heavily publicized.
Potential Reasons for the Discontinuation of Chicken Tenders
There are several possible explanations for why McDonald’s may have chosen to stop selling chicken tenders after over 30 years on the menu:
Declining Sales and Lack of Popularity
While chicken tenders may have been popular years ago, interest had dwindled over time. McDonald’s other chicken offerings like McNuggets continued to be top sellers. With falling chicken tender sales, McDonald’s possibly decided to reallocate those resources to more profitable and in-demand menu items. Removing a poorer performing product would improve overall profit margins.
Higher Costs of Ingredients and Preparation
As ingredient prices fluctuate, chicken tenders may have become more expensive to source and prepare compared to other menu items. McDonald’s profitability relies heavily on efficient, automated preparation methods. The labor-intensive breading and frying required for tenders potentially cut too much into profits compared to the sales they were generating.
More Health-Conscious Consumers
Over the years, consumers have become more concerned about making healthier fast food choices. McDonald’s has added more salad, wrap, and grilled chicken options to cater to this demand. The higher fat and calorie chicken tenders may have fallen out of favor with the trend towards lighter fare. Removing them helped align the menu with evolving consumer preferences.
Streamlining Operations and Reducing Complexity
McDonald’s has been focused on simplifying operational complexity to increase efficiency. Chicken tenders required specialized cooking equipment that added costs. Streamlining the menu by eliminating a product needing distinct handling and preparation helps kitchen operations run smoother. Less complexity means faster throughput and less waste.
How Regular Customers Are Reacting
The discontinuation of chicken tenders has provoked passionate outcries from McDonald’s biggest fans of the item:
Confusion Over Why They Were Removed
Many customers are puzzled why McDonald’s would remove an item that had been on the menu for decades. With no official explanation given, fans are left to speculate on the reasons behind the decision. The abrupt disappearance of a menu staple has certainly caused confusion for returning diners expecting to be able to order chicken tenders.
Anger and Frustration
McDonald’s received plenty of backlash on social media from angry customers upset over the loss of their favorite menu item. Many people had been ordering chicken tenders for years and were frustrated that this choice was taken away with no notice. McDonald’s offered substitutions like chicken nuggets or McChicken sandwiches but tender lovers argued it just wasn’t the same.
Loyalty to Chicken Tenders
Devoted fans of McDonald’s chicken tenders have pledged to take their business elsewhere until tenders return. Some have promised to boycott McDonald’s entirely, claiming chicken tenders were their go-to order. The outrage demonstrates the passion people had for this menu item and the loyalty it inspired. McDonald’s risks alienating these customers if chicken tenders are not brought back.
Hope for the Return of Chicken Tenders
Despite their removal, some loyal customers continue to hold out hope that chicken tenders will make their way back to the McDonald’s menu. Many point out that other discontinued items like McRibs eventually return for limited-time offers. Fans are optimistic their petitions and complaints could persuade McDonald’s to reverse course and bring back the chicken tenders they desperately crave.
The Future for McDonald’s and Chicken Tenders
It remains to be seen whether McDonald’s chicken tenders are gone for good or just temporarily off the menu. Here are some possibilities moving forward:
Permanent Discontinuation
If sales data showed chicken tenders truly declining in popularity, McDonald’s may have decided to retire them indefinitely. Once equipment is removed and new menus printed, the cost of bringing them back likely outweighs demand. Devoted fans will be disappointed but McDonald’s has to focus on profitability.
Return as Limited-Time Offer
McDonald’s could gauge interest by bringing back chicken tenders for a limited run. Restricting tenders to a month or two could create publicity and drive sales. They may sell enough based on nostalgia to justify temporary production. This lets them profit off demand while retaining the cost savings of keeping tenders discontinued long-term.
Regional Availability
McDonald’s may test the waters by only bringing chicken tenders back in certain markets. Markets with the strongest sales history could offer tenders on a trial basis. Customers might have to lobby their local franchises to add tenders back to local menus. Targeted launches reduce risk and cost.
New Improved Recipe
It’s possible McDonald’s removes an item with the intent of improving it for a future rollout. A new chicken tender recipe or preparation method could be in development. McDonald’s may be planning to relaunch tenders later after improving quality or lowering costs. The discontinued original could make way for a revamped version.
The Bottom Line
Chicken tenders were taken off the McDonald’s menu after over 30 years as a staple item. The decision stemmed from various factors including lagging sales, higher costs, and changing consumer preferences. Customers dismayed by the loss continue to call for their return. While frustrating for tender lovers, McDonald’s made a calculated business decision to direct resources towards more profitable menu options with higher demand. Only time will tell if this beloved item makes a permanent exit or returns to the glory days of the 1980s and 1990s when Americans couldn’t get enough of McDonald’s chicken tenders.
| Year | Key Event |
|---|---|
| 1979 | Chicken tenders introduced on McDonald’s menu |
| Late 2021 | Chicken tenders removed from McDonald’s menu |