The Dollar Double Cheeseburger

McDonalds has long been known for its low, low prices. However, due to rising prices my local McDonalds has made a bold move. They rose the price of their double cheeseburger 29 cents. This may not sound like much, but as a former McDonald's employee. I know how much customers care about prices changing. Due to these economic times McDonalds is one of the few profiting corporations. This is due towards their low pricing. When the large sweet tea was raised from $1 to $1.19 much of the public was not happy. Of course, prices do naturally rise but to the thousands that flock to McDonalds every day carrying exact cash for what they want. A rise in prices is a wake up call for those not paying attention to the economy. I predict that McDonalds will be making a change from their famous, beloved "Dollar Menu" to an infamous, begrudgingly accepted "Under Two Menu".

On top of raising the price of the Double Cheeseburger, they have also removed one slice of cheese. They currently price cheese at forty cents. This means that for the same Double Cheeseburger you ordered before, it will now cost you $1.69. That is a 69% increase! In my view, as along with others I am certain, that is a huge jump in pricing.

The question is what is the motive for McDonalds to do this? Are they being aggressive during the economic hardships and trying to maximize profits? Of course that is what every company wants to do this; but at what cost? Not everyone has 69% more money to spend on eating out on fast food. Isn't fast food known for being cheap? I doubt that Ronald and friends are doing this for the heal benefits. People buy less food, eat less cheese. McDonalds already provides some healthy alternative salads, providing there is no dressing and you have enough money to pay for over priced lettuce. I am certain that they will claim to have held out as long as possible with out having to rise the prices, but that they have to now. Losing one slice of cheese has already become common place through out the franchise.

Some of McDonalds' competitors have taken advantage of this. Wendy's double stack is as popular as ever. Burger King has been creating promotions and specials constantly. Sure McDonalds has a following, but they may have shot them selves in the foot on this one.

Will this become a world wide price jump? Of course it will. Prices are rising everywhere. However, 69% is an extreme rise in prices for a fast food restaurant that is getting so much traffic.