[TSgt]

I’d rather spend another $1.00 and get a foot-long Subway sandwich which is much more healthy.

[E. Pluribus Unum]

To draw customers who might otherwise go to Fuddruckers or Culvers.

[vox_freedom]

An upscale product in this climate? What could the company be thinking?

Maybe to make money? McDonalds seems to be doing pretty well with their business, and I'm sure has tested the concept of a quality $4 burger. That's what they are thinking.

I might try it, along with their new caramel flavored milkshake.

[GeronL]

How much is a burger at the Posts favorite bars and fancy restaurants? How much do they cost at a hotel?

[deport]

What could the company be thinking?

---

Not standing still, innovation, providing diversity, etc. Hell not everyone is on the dole, out of a job and living under a roadway.........

[shibumi]

[50sDad]

Because the people who USED to be buying steaks haven’t been hit bad enough yet to buy a $.99 burger. DUH!

[onedoug]

Angus Burger...$4.00. Coronary treatment...’Hope you have insurance. Obuma care comin’....

[goodnesswins]

BECAUSE.....those who were going to higher end places, but have cut back....might like this burger at McDonalds.....they’re being smart marketers...

[Vision]

The WP is too corrupt to realize people have enough money for a $4 burger.

[colorado tanker]

I can think of some reasons.

One, competitors like Burger King and Carl's Jr. already have them.

Two, they may catch customers giving up pricier restaurants and returning to this category.

Three, it's just in test. If it doesn't fly, they won't roll it out nationwide.

Four, Mickey D's burger menu is rather tired, without a new product in a long time.

It shouldn't be that hard for a business "reporter," even at the Wash Post, to see why they're looking into this.

[Moonman62]

What part of the cow is the Angus?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx5DPi7GtcM

[Kandy Atz]

I haven’t done McDonalds in a while. When I have, it is usually about convenience and not the quality of food. But I may have to give the Angus a try one day.

I tried the Jack in the Box Sirloin burger three weeks ago - not the mini ones. It was surprisingly good. I was disapointed the prior visits to JINTB. Their menu/quality seems to change with the days of the week.

For fast food hamburgers, Whataburger has always been my favorite. Its a southern treasure. Cooked to order with fresh vegetables made the way you want it. And they don’t ruin it with some crappy “special sauce” either. ;->

Let the burger debates begin...

[Moonman62]

With the nation in its deepest recession in decades, why would McDonald's pick this moment to launch a $4 burger?

McDonald's wants its piece of those stimulus checks.

[Myrddin]

I haven't eaten at McDonald's for many years. Last week, I was in West Yellowstone in advance of the park opening. My wife suggested eating at the McDonald's. I ordered a double quarter pounder with cheese, no bun. The bunless order was due to my gluten intolerance. The burgers tasted OK, but ended up making me feel sick for the duration of the trip. It will be many more years before I patronize them again.

I've had excellent experiences with Carl's Junior burgers. I order them the same way. Much tastier and no bad after effects.

[reagan_fanatic]

This is a smart move on McDonald’s part. Their menu more or less has been stale with very few new offerings for a number of years now. An Angus burger would be a great seller and a big draw for them.

Look at Hardees - their Angus burgers is what saved them, and proved that people are more than willing to pay $4 for a good burger.

[bolobaby]

Ah, yes. Angus beef! The poor man's "Kobe."

^^^ Makes me wonder what is so special about "Angus."

[ravingnutter]

No thanks...Ex-Lax is milder on my system than a McDonald’s burger at any price.

[sportutegrl]

McDonalds stock is performing well in this climate. I just got some for my Roth.

There is a whole generation of people who can't cook. These young people are also struggling with student loans and lower income jobs. You can eat pretty cheap at Mickey D's.

Going up the income level, we have a lot of people who are accustomed to going out to eat every night, but who are now trying to build up savings, and/or paying down debt in case they may be without a job. I suspect that McDonalds is targeting this group with an 'upscale' burger.

[GSWarrior]

We have to act now to stop this $4 burger.