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

Food

Veggie Grill evolves the menu to keep pace with plant-based trends

Behind the Menu: Since the fast casual’s start in 2006, many new meat and dairy alternatives have come to market and consumers’ health perceptions have changed. Veggie Grill has been forced to change too.

Financing

The Subway saga takes another turn

The Bottom Line: Just when we thought the massive deal was set to go through, the feds stepped in to have their say.

Financing

Retailers are bracing for a tough few months. Restaurateurs should heed the warning

The Bottom Line: Large retailers are concerned about a softening consumer and already see evidence that is happening. But restaurant executives seem far more optimistic.

Trending

More from our partners