XiaNaphryz
LATIN, MATRIPEDICABUS, DO YOU SPEAK IT
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-...ing-steak-for-breakfast-in-menu-overhaul.html
Breakfast just got meatier at the Golden Arches.
McDonalds Corp. (MCD) is introducing a new thick, juicy steak for the morning crowd, Lisa McComb, a spokeswoman for the Oak Brook, Illinois-based company, said in an e-mail. Customers can get steak on any breakfast sandwich and the new morning fare will be featured in advertisements, she said.
The fast-food chain began introducing the steak across the U.S. last month and is continuing to roll it out now, she said. It will be sold in about 9,600 of the chains more than 14,100 domestic locations, she said. A steak, egg and cheese biscuit with grilled onions has 540 calories -- 10 less than a Big Mac - - while a steak patty on an English muffin packs 430 calories.
McDonalds has been overhauling its menu this year in an effort to attract American diners, who are cash-strapped and also seeing more new items from Wendys Co. and Burger King Worldwide Inc. (BKW) McDonalds has recently introduced a 250-calorie egg-white sandwich, chicken McWraps and this month is rolling out chicken wings in the U.S. Its also testing a different Dollar Menu with items priced as much as $5.
Consumers want new and interesting and different, Bryan Elliott, an Atlanta-based analyst at Raymond James Financial Inc., said in an interview. The steak sandwiches are part of McDonalds strategy to have both high-priced items and also value fare, he said.
The steak sandwiches will probably be a premium product at a premium price, so its meant to continue to work on that barbell pricing strategy, he said. Steak is one of the most expensive proteins out there.
Trailed Estimates
McDonalds earnings have trailed analysts estimates in the past two quarters. The company is scheduled to report August same-store sales tomorrow. U.S. sales at stores open at least 13 months rose 1.6 percent in July after falling in June.
The worlds largest restaurant chain rose 0.2 percent to $96.45 yesterday in New York. McDonalds has gained 9.3 percent this year, trailing a 16 percent increase for the Standard & Poors 500 Restaurants Index.
Selling steak in the morning hours may put McDonalds in competition with some fast-casual dining chains, including Panera Bread Co. (PNRA), that sell steak for breakfast. Panera sells a 630-calorie steak and egg breakfast sandwich with white cheddar cheese on a bagel. Cosi Inc. (COSI) sells a breakfast wrap with steak, eggs, pesto and provolone that has 508 calories.
Wendys, based in Dublin, Ohio, last year backed off testing breakfast foods after it wasnt satisfied with its financial performance. Miami-based Burger King doesnt sell steak for breakfast, according to its website.
There are about 34,700 McDonalds restaurants worldwide, of which about 81 percent are franchised.