 Arch deluxe Logo | |||||||||||||
| Nutritional value per 1 sandwich | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | 560 kcal (2,300 kJ) | ||||||||||||
32 g | |||||||||||||
| Saturated | 11 g | ||||||||||||
50 g | |||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||
| †Percentages estimated usingUS recommendations for adults,[2] except for potassium, which is estimated based on expert recommendation fromthe National Academies.[3] Source:CSPI[1] | |||||||||||||
TheArch Deluxe was ahamburger sold by the internationalfast food restaurant chainMcDonald's in 1996 and marketed specifically to adults. Despite having the largestadvertising and promotional budget in fast food history at the time,[4] it was soon discontinued after failing to become popular. It is considered one of the most expensive product flops of all time.[5]
The Arch Deluxe was aquarter pound ofbeef on a split-toppotato floursesame seed bun, topped with a circular piece of pepperedbacon, leaf lettuce, tomato,American cheese, onions, ketchup, and Dijonnaise (aportmanteau ofDijon mustard andmayonnaise) sauce.[6]
In response to the demographic trend of longer lifespans and an expanding older market, and to its child-centered image, McDonald's made a conscious decision to attempt to market its food to a more adult audience. Rather than change its existing menu items or marketing strategy, the company decided to create a new line of sandwiches with what would hopefully be perceived as more sophisticated ingredients. It commissioned Executive Chef Andrew Selvaggio to create the Deluxe line of burgers including theFish Filet Deluxe,Grilled Chicken Deluxe,Crispy Chicken Deluxe, and theflagshipArch Deluxe.[citation needed]
The Arch Deluxe was first tested as a "Taste of the Month" burger in October 1995 at McDonald's restaurants in Canada. Afterwards, the Arch Deluxe was officially released in May 1996 in one of the most expensive advertising campaigns to date. Customers were dissuaded, however, by the high price, which ranged from US$2.09 up to US$2.49 (equivalent to $5 in 2024),[7] and unconventional ads, and consumer groups were upset by the higher caloric content. The brand was still sold at select restaurants during 1998 and 1999. On August 18, 2000, the Arch Deluxe was finally discontinued, and is no longer found at McDonald's stores.[6]
McDonald's is estimated to have spent over US$300 million (equivalent to $601 million in 2024) on the research, production, and marketing for the Arch Deluxe.[8] The company stated in 2003 that some of its initial research into adult marketing was recycled in the development of its successful line ofsalads.[9]
Criticizedfast food products:
Similar products from other fast food vendors:
