Ex-McDonalds exec dishes on why beloved, healthier menu item vanished in 2020
McDonald’s is looking to expand its chicken offerings, including potentially bringing back grilled chicken sandwiches — a menu item the fast-food giant discontinued in 2020.At a September investor meeting, McDonald’s executives discussed plans to expand the chain’s chicken lineup, including grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps, as demand for protein options grows, according to Restaurant Dive.The renewed interest comes years after McDonald’s pulled its grilled chicken sandwich from U.S.menus, raising questions about why the healthier offering disappeared in the first place.Chef Mike Haracz, who served as McDonald’s manager of culinary innovation from 2015 to 2019, told Fox News Digital why the grilled chicken sandwich ultimately failed to make the cut — and whether it could find its way back to the menu.The reason was simple: Not enough customers were ordering it, Haracz said.“For many of the menu items at McDonald’s, and this is true for any corporate chain restaurant, there is a certain sales threshold that means it will be profitable, and it makes sense to have in the restaurant,” said Haracz, who is based in Illinois.“Once sales dip below a certain level, it does not make financial sense to keep it on the menu, as you will end up throwing away product.”In 1993, McDonald’s introduced a grilled chicken sandwich as a healthier menu offering, but it did not stand the test of time.The sandwich consisted of a marinated skinless chicken breast filet, lettuce, tomato, sweet red onion, Monterey Jack cheese and a herb sauce, all piled on a bun, according to a 1993 press release about the menu item.McDonald’s unveiled a more natural preparation of its grilled chicken in 2015, announcing on its website that it would be cooked using only canola oil, olive oil, and real spices and herbs.The chain revamped the sandwich that year, introducing the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich.Ultimately, though, the grilled chicken sandwich lost its spot at McDon...