THE long-running McFlurry machine drama might be cooling down at last.
After years of frustrated customers finding out that the machines are “down” when they want a sweet treat, McDonald’s franchise has finally got a solution.
Owners are now allowed to fix the infamous machines themselves, thanks to a new exception to federal repair regulations.
For years, McDonald’s customers have endured a mix of disappointment and humor over broken ice cream machines.
The machines, made by Taylor, often require lengthy cleanings and complicated repairs that only the manufacturer could legally perform.
But franchise owners are now free to call in independent repair specialists instead of waiting for Taylor, a change that has many hoping the era of “Sorry, the machine’s down” might finally be over.
McDonald’s regulars can now look forward to more consistent access to their McFlurries—and they’re celebrating on social media.
ICE CREAM DRAMA
Complaints about McDonald’s ice cream machines have become so universal they’ve even made it to the political stage in jest.
Republican candidate, Donald Trump worked a shift at the golden arches before taking to social media to poke fun at the ice-cream machines.
He posted: “When i’m president, the McDonald’s ice cream machines will work great again.”
The post sparked both laughs and groans from fans, as the McFlurry debacle has become a near-legendary part of fast-food lore.
The saga has drawn a loyal following online, with many customers joking that they’re “one of the lucky few” if they manage to score a McFlurry when the machines are actually working.
One user even joked about their pre-order ritual: “Think the ice cream machine will be working?”
While some roll their eyes, others embrace the drama, treating every successful McFlurry purchase as a victory.
WENDY’S DISS
And McDonald’s competitors haven’t missed their chance to join the fun.
Wendy’s recently jumped into the McFlurry feud with a TikTok video titled “Frost Fix” that pokes fun at McDonald’s famously unreliable machines.
The video shows a mock “Frost Fix” van, plastered with slogans like “Coming to a broken ice cream machine near you” and “Honk if you like reliable desserts,” clearly targeting McDonald’s struggles.
Social media users were quick to jump on the joke, with one commenting: “Just pull right up in McDonald’s parking lot, Wendy.”
Another commented: “So you guys are going to McDonald’s then to fix it?”
Wendy’s has long been known for its snarky social media presence, and the cheeky jab had fans in stitches.
Though McDonald’s has yet to respond to the video, this repair policy shift could be the beginning of the end for the ice cream machine curse.
And with both McDonald’s and Wendy’s in the mix, the fast-food dessert wars are heating up.
Typically, Wendy’s ice cream’s retails between $2.49 and $3.39, whilst McDonald’s McFlurry’s sell for $2.89-$3.69.
This means ice-cream shoppers can get more value for their money buying ice-cream at Wendy’s.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s has put its Quarter Pounders back on the menu after a brief hiatus due to a health scare – but the burgers are missing a major ingredient in some restaurants.
Onions supplied by the facility were also pulled from Burger King, KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell last week.
Recent McDonald’s menu adds
Here are some recent McDonald’s menu adds:
Chicken Big Mac
This sandwich features two tempura-battered chicken patties, Big Mac sauce, cheese, lettuce, and pickles, all on a sesame seed bun. It was previously tested in the UK, Ireland, and Miami, and will become available in the US on October 10, 2024.
Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese
This burger consists of 100% beef, two slices of American cheese, three strips of Applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and a smoky BLT sauce, served on a toasted sesame seed bun.
Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy
Inspired by soul food flavors, this limited-time sandwich includes a chicken fillet, applewood smoked bacon, crinkle-cut pickles, and creamy Cajun ranch sauce on a toasted potato roll.
Double Big Mac
This limited-time burger features four 100% all-beef patties, pickles, shredded lettuce, Big Mac sauce, and American cheese