Overview
- The Big Arch ranges from $7.46 in Columbia, South Carolina to $12.99 in Lewiston, Maine, a nearly 74% difference reported across more than 450 restaurants.
- State averages show Alaska around $10.32 on the high end and Oklahoma about $8.05 on the low end, with Washington, Maine and Hawaii frequently near or above $10.
- Researchers attribute the variation to franchisee pricing discretion along with regional transportation and operating expenses.
- McDonald’s lists 1,020 calories for the sandwich and about 1,610 calories for a medium meal, describing it as the chain’s largest U.S. burger.
- A viral taste-test clip by CEO Chris Kempczinski boosted awareness of the rollout as rival fast-food leaders posted their own videos.