In an exciting announcement for fast-food enthusiasts, McDonald's has revealed that its beloved snack wraps will be making a return to U.S. restaurants starting next month. This revival comes as the fast-food giant is looking to bolster sales following a challenging start to the year, marked by a decline in customer spending.

Originally introduced nearly two decades ago, McDonald's snack wraps became a popular choice among customers. However, in 2016, the company made the decision to discontinue the item due to operational challenges, as the preparation of the wraps was found to slow down kitchen efficiency significantly. Despite this, some franchisees opted to keep the wraps on their menus until 2020, when the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic prompted McDonald's to streamline its offerings. In an effort to maintain service speed and efficiency during lockdowns, the chain eliminated not only the snack wraps but also salads and parfaits from its menu.

For many loyal customers, the absence of snack wraps has been a source of frustration. Over the years, fans have taken to social media, starting petitions and actively engaging with McDonald’s on platforms like Twitter to express their desire for the item’s return. The announcement of the snack wraps’ comeback on July 10 is particularly pertinent, as McDonald's has recently experienced a slowdown in sales, reporting a notable 3.6% decline in same-store sales for the first quarter of the year.

This new iteration of the snack wraps will feature the chain’s recently launched McCrispy Strips, which became available nationwide in May. Customers will have the option to choose between two enticing flavors: spicy and ranch. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski, while addressing analysts earlier in May, emphasized the importance of responding to consumer interest, stating, “The market continues to show that the consumer is interested in this product. We want to make sure that we’re meeting our customers’ needs.”

The relaunch of snack wraps is part of a broader strategy by McDonald's to expand its menu offerings beyond beef, particularly as chicken has become an increasingly popular choice among consumers. The success of competitors such as Chick-fil-A, Popeyes, Raising Cane's, and Dave's Hot Chicken has highlighted the rising demand for chicken-focused fast food, making it a rapidly growing segment within the restaurant industry.

McDonald's reintroduction of snack wraps could potentially spark a new phase in the ongoing “chicken wars” among fast-food chains. Just this week, Restaurant Brands International’s Popeyes announced its own new offering: “generously sized Chicken Wraps,” which are wrapped in a tortilla inspired by their famous biscuits and will be available for a limited time. This competitive landscape hints at an increasingly dynamic market where consumers can look forward to diverse and innovative chicken offerings.