Marketing

McDonald’s will let you buy early access to its chicken sandwich

The company, preparing a national launch of the product next week, will let customers buy a limited-edition capsule that includes a hoodie and an audio track from producer Tay Keith.
McDonald's crispy chicken sandwich promotion
Photo courtesy of McDonald's

McDonald’s is giving customers early access to its new chicken sandwich set to make its national debut next week, but there’s a catch: You have to win something of a lottery.

The company will start selling a limited-edition “capsule” starting at noon ET on Thursday on CHKNDrop.com. For $5, that capsule will include a coupon for the chain’s new Crispy Chicken Sandwich, which can be redeemed on Feb. 23, one day before its national launch.

In addition, customers will also get an original audio track, on 7-inch vinyl, from the music producer Tay Keith created for the sandwich, along with a limited-edition hoodie.

The capsules will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

McDonald’s is making a huge push with its upgraded chicken sandwich. The company has been working on an upgraded product for two years largely to compete with Chick-fil-A, its fast-growing Atlanta-based rival. The introduction of Popeyes’ chicken sandwich in 2019 only intensified that push.

Several other fast-food chains have also upgraded their chicken sandwiches, however, including KFC and Wendy’s. Meanwhile, Burger King is planning an upgraded chicken sandwich of its own.

Tay Keith has produced hits for several musicians, most notably Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode.” Scott was the centerpiece of a successful promotion last year in which McDonald’s sold the “Travis Scott Meal” and offered various Scott-themed merchandise.

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

Emerging Brands

How Mr. Pickle's is playing the value game with sandwich sizes

The California-born chain known for Dutch Crunch rolls is borrowing a page from Goldilocks and rolling out a mid-sized sandwich that gives guests a more-profitable reason to visit.

Financing

Two companies learn the hard way that running restaurants is difficult

The Bottom Line: Red Lobster and Topgolf were both acquired by companies outside the restaurant industry. Those companies have learned just how competitive the business is.

Financing

Restaurant buyers have little interest in actual restaurants

The Bottom Line: There is a clear line in what restaurant chain buyers want right now. They want franchisors, not the restaurants themselves.

Trending

More from our partners