McDonald’s expanded its test of chicken wings this week to 500 restaurants in Chicago, after a successful test in Atlanta last year. The wings are being sold in servings of three, five, or 10 pieces starting at $3. McDonald’s said, however, that there are currently no plans as yet to bring the wings to other cities.
Prices for wings continue to climb with demand remaining high. Prices for chicken wings have been climbing over the past year, reflecting an increase in the number of restaurants serving them, said David Harvey, an agriculture economist at USDA. In December, the cost of wings in the wholesale market in the Northeast was 26 percent higher than a year ago. Wings sold for $1.90 a pound this month, compared with $1.30 a pound for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. As a result of this high price, McDonald’s could decide to offer wings only for a limited time.
The company has said it plans to ramp up the frequency of such special offers as a way to give customers more variety as well as renewing emphasis on its Dollar Menu. The chain is facing intensifying competition from competitors such as Burger King and Wendy’s that are currently revamping their images and menus, as well as other chains such as Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread.
