In a recent development that has stirred interest in the fast-food sector, Donald Gorske, renowned for holding the Guinness World Record for the most Big Macs consumed in a lifetime, has shared his thoughts on McDonald’s latest offering, the Big Arch. Gorske, who has devoured more than 35,000 Big Macs since he began his odyssey in 1972, was unimpressed by the new burger, highlighting his unwavering allegiance to the classic Big Mac.
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The 72-year-old from Wisconsin took to The Guardian in an interview published on 23 March, where he remarked on the Big Arch after sampling it courtesy of his son. Despite the burger’s impressive size, boasting two quarter-pound patties, Gorske was not swayed. “I wasn’t really crazy about it,” he stated candidly, adding, “I just think the Big Mac is better.”
Gorske’s blunt assessment comes in the wake of a promotional video that went viral featuring McDonald’s U.S. CEO, Chris Kempczinski, taste-testing the Big Arch. In the clip, Kempczinski takes what many perceived as a notably tiny bite of the burger, a moment that prompted substantial online commentary and criticism. The reaction to the video underscored the sometimes humorous dynamics in the competitive fast-food landscape.
In swift response to McDonald’s promotional clip, rival firms, including Burger King and others, seized the opportunity to launch their own satirical takes on burger taste-testing. Burger King was particularly quick to produce a behind-the-scenes view featuring their U.S. CEO, Tom Curtis, who described the burger in a more affable light, calling it “food” rather than merely “a product”. This shift in language resonated with many, as it emphasised a more relatable aspect of enjoying food.
Notable mentions include A&W Canada, Smashburger, and Red Robin, all of which followed suit by airing their own humorous interpretations of the burger taste-test trend. Their collective response illustrates a broader competitive spirit within the fast-food industry, as chains leverage social media to engage with customers and showcase their offerings.
The Big Arch itself has been marketed as a larger alternative within McDonald’s menu, crafted with two beef patties, cheese, onions, lettuce and pickles. This introduction echoes a phase of major menu updates from both McDonald’s and Burger King, who are simultaneously pushing for public attention and sales with revamped products.
For Gorske, however, the debate over the superior burger seems to have a clear victor. He took the opportunity to conduct his own comparisons, attempting a Big Arch as well as Burger King’s Whopper. Despite this exploration, his loyalty to the Big Mac remains intact. “I tried one—that was it,” he concluded about the Big Arch, signalling a definite preference that highlights his long-standing relationship with the iconic McDonald’s sandwich.
As the fast-food industry continues to innovate and adapt, this playful banter between rivals showcases not just a battle for market share, but a shared culture of promotion that entertains and engages consumers. In the age of viral content, even a taste-test video can morph into a broader conversation about burgers, branding, and loyalty in an increasingly competitive marketplace. While Gorske may remain a devoted Big Mac enthusiast, the industry buzz surrounding the Big Arch and its competitors underlines the playful competitiveness that can exist in the dynamic fast-food arena.
These exchanges reflect an important narrative—one where food goes beyond mere edibility and enters the realm of consumer sentiment and connection. Whether through taste tests, social media, or playful rivalry, the ongoing saga of the burger wars continues to evolve, drawing in customers and celebrities alike.