When the pandemic crashed into the United States under President Trump’s leadership, fast-food companies rose to the challenge to feed America. As millions of people lost their jobs and access to other benefits, they began turning more often to fast-food restaurants like McDonald’s and Burger King. However, these chains struggled to keep up with the demand while simultaneously dealing with supply chain issues that made it very hard for them to continue providing a large menu – which was why McDonald’s and others slimmed down the menu during the pandemic.
However, this is not the first time McDonald’s has trimmed down their menu offerings. A few years ago, customers noticed in frustration that McDonald’s had taken their Premium McWrap off the menu. While fans of the sandwich did not want to see if go, insiders who worked at McDonald’s locations when it was still offered the claim that it was booted from the menu for one simple reason – it was too hard for minimum-wage employees to make.
Thanks to a viral video from Stephen Patula, it is now clear that McDonald’s got rid of their Premium McWrap because it was the “most complicated” item someone could order on the McDonald’s menu. Patula knows a lot about McDonald’s because his family operates a franchise location. Meanwhile, Patula turns to TikTok to answer people’s questions about McDonald’s and to show people behind the scenes content from the burger chain.
“When COVID first happened, McDonald’s limited their menu to make operations a little bit easier. So, right now, there is nothing really too complicated,” Patula said in the viral video. “But back in the day, those premium wraps were literally awful to make. They tasted awesome. They were just so complicated and time-consuming to make.”
As a result of his viral video, people in the comments are rallying behind a popular cry – “Bring back the wrap!” This is not what Patula had in mind when he decided to open up and share his true story about McDonald’s most challenging menu items for workers.
“It’s the McWrap I’m talking about, not the snack wraps. The McWrap wasn’t difficult to make, just time-consuming to stuff it in the tiny box.”
Hundreds of other people left comments on Patula’s video. The following were highly rated.
“Premium wraps have been off the menu for years now.”
“I just miss the crispy chicken ranch snack wrap,” wrote one sorrowful TikTok user.
“Wait, the wraps were complicated? The only difference from a burger was wrapping a tortilla instead of closing up the bun.”
“I mean, that is true (as a former McDonald’s employee), but the wraps were so good. I miss the wraps.”
Burning questions also filled up the comment section. The following was one that was particularly engaging.
“What’s the most efficient way to order a quarter pounder with cheese without cheese? Every time I do that in the drive-thru, it throws everybody off.”
Commenters assured the person to “order a quarter hamburger, or at least that’s what we do.” She continued to explain, “It’s a separate option on our menu screens.”