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Arch Deluxe facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
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Arch deluxe Logo
Quick facts for kids
Nutritional value per 1 sandwich
Energy 560 kcal (2,300 kJ)
32 g
Saturated 11 g
Protein
50 g
Minerals Quantity
%DV
Sodium
64%
960 mg
Percentages estimated using US recommendations for adults.
Source: CSPI

The Arch Deluxe was a special hamburger sold by the fast food chain McDonald's in 1996. It was created to appeal to adults, not just kids. However, it didn't become popular and was soon stopped. Many people remember it as one of McDonald's most expensive projects that didn't work out.

What Was the Arch Deluxe?

Arch Deluxe Composition
The Arch Deluxe composition from an advertisement

The Arch Deluxe was a big burger. It had a quarter-pound beef patty. The bun was made from potato flour and had sesame seeds on top. Inside, you would find a round piece of peppered bacon, fresh lettuce, a slice of tomato, and American cheese. It also had onions, ketchup, and a special "secret" sauce. This sauce was a mix of mustard and mayonnaise.

Why Was It Created?

McDonald's noticed that more and more adults were looking for different food options. The company was known for its kid-friendly image. So, they decided to try something new for older customers. They wanted to create a line of sandwiches that seemed more grown-up.

A chef named Andrew Selvaggio helped create these new burgers. The Arch Deluxe was the main one. There were also other "Deluxe" sandwiches. These included the Fish Filet Deluxe and different chicken deluxe options.

Testing and Release

The Arch Deluxe was first tested in Canada in October 1995. It was called a "Taste of the Month" burger. Then, in May 1996, it was officially launched. McDonald's spent a lot of money on advertising it. Some reports say they spent over $300 million on the burger's research, making, and ads.

Why It Didn't Last

Even with all the advertising, the Arch Deluxe didn't do well. Customers thought it was too expensive. Also, some of the ads were a bit unusual. Groups that look at food health were also concerned. They pointed out that the burger had a lot of calories.

The Arch Deluxe was still sold in some places until 1999. But by August 2000, it was completely stopped. Today, you won't find the Arch Deluxe at McDonald's. However, some of the ideas from this project helped McDonald's later. They used what they learned to develop their popular salads.

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