McDonald's claims a breakthrough in straw technology

mcdonalds straw

McDonald’s says it’s reinvented the drink straw, but will only showcase the technological breakthrough for a limited time.

The new straw draws fluid from two levels of a drink, enabling customers to draw equal portions of chocolate syrup and mint-flavored milkshake, two key ingredients of McDonald’s new Chocolate Shamrock Shake, the chain says.

Only 2,000 of the space age version were produced, and the limited supply will be meted out only with the Chocolate Shamrock Shake, a onetime secret menu item that was upgraded this year to a front-and-center special for the St. Patrick’s Day season.

In a flash of more sophisticated humor than the chain usually musters in its marketing, McDonald’s has christened the device the Suction Tube for Reverse Axial Withdrawal, or STRAW.

It says the device was developed by a team of robotics and aerospace engineers. 

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

The Tijuana Flats bankruptcy highlights the dangers of menu miscues

The Bottom Line: The fast-casual chain’s problems following new menu debuts in 2021 and 2022 show that adding new items isn’t always the right idea.

Financing

For Papa Johns, the CEO departure came at the wrong time

The Bottom Line: The pizza chain worked to convince franchisees to buy into a massive marketing shift. And then the brand’s CEO left.

Leadership

Restaurants bring the industry's concerns to Congress

Nearly 600 operators made their case to lawmakers as part of the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference.

Trending

More from our partners