McDonald’s Comeback Fueled by Chicken and Creativity
McDonald’s just reported a major turnaround. After two quarters of declining U.S. sales, they posted a 2.5% increase in same-store sales and a 5% revenue jump, driven by:
- Their largest marketing campaign ever tied to The Minecraft Movie, rolled out in 100 countries
- The return of crispy chicken strips, aimed at nostalgic and value-focused consumers
- Ongoing deals like the $2.99 Snack Wrap, helping to re-engage middle-income buyers
CEO Chris Kempczinski made it clear: success right now is about menu execution, value perception, and delivering on customer cravings.
How Aldevra Customers Can Replicate That Success
If you're using Frymaster, Pitco, or Henny Penny open fryers, you're already equipped to serve McDonald’s-level chicken strips—crispy, consistent, and profitable.
Here’s how to bring that winning formula into your own kitchen.
🔥 1. Crisp is King – Use Open Deep Fryers to Nail the Texture
McDonald’s uses open deep fryers (not pressure fryers) to achieve that crave-worthy, crunchy exterior. With the right setup, you can do the same.
✅ Frymaster
- Open fryer systems with automatic oil filtration to maintain product consistency
- Precise temperature control for even cooking and golden color
- Ideal for high-volume operations with tight cook-time targets
✅ Pitco
- Solstice™ series open fryers offer reliable performance and programmable controls
- Designed for flexibility—perfect for chicken, fries, and other breaded foods
- Built-in filtration systems to extend oil life and maintain flavor integrity
✅ Henny Penny
- Best known for pressure fryers, but also offers high-efficiency open fryers like the Evolution Elite®
- Features like auto top-off and digital controls help reduce waste and boost consistency
- Used by major QSR brands for open-fried menu items
⚙️ Not sure which fryer is right for your operation? Aldevra can help assess your needs and recommend the best open fryer for your workflow and volume.
🎯 2. Promotions Don’t Need to Be Billion-Dollar Campaigns
Even small operators can create buzz like McDonald’s with creative, themed promotions:
- “Chicken Strip Snack Pack” – 3 strips, fries, and a drink for under $10
- “Gamer Night Combo” – tie in with local e-sports or arcade events
- “Throwback Thursdays” – feature retro-style packaging or menu names
Add a loyalty punch card or social media challenge to drive repeat visits.
💸 3. Add Value Without Sacrificing Quality
McDonald’s is trying to combat perceptions that it’s gotten too expensive. You can win on both quality and price:
- Offer customizable combos under $10
- Add a side or dessert for $1 to upsell without price shock
- Keep cook times fast and portions consistent to reduce waste and increase throughput
🧰 4. Keep Your Fryers Running Like McDonald’s
Open fryers are the heart of your operation when chicken is on the menu. Keep them clean, calibrated, and well-supported.
Frymaster, Pitco, and Henny Penny are all proudly made in the USA, which means:
- Reliable supply chains
- Easier access to parts and service
- Alignment with Buy American and Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance requirements
Aldevra provides:
- Equipment sales and installation
- Preventive maintenance and repair services
- OEM parts and accessories
- Operator training and manuals
Whether you're frying with Frymaster, Pitco, or Henny Penny, we have your back—with U.S.-manufactured quality you can trust.
Final Thought: Serve Like a Giant—Even if You're Small
You don’t need 40,000 stores or a movie deal to win in foodservice. You need great products, great value, and reliable equipment that delivers every time.
Let Aldevra help you serve up crispy chicken strips customers come back for—using the same open fryer technology trusted by the biggest brands in the world.
