I tried 4 patriotic fast food promotions, and the best one captured the spirit of America's 250th birthday

Tech Insider : Business
Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert holds the box for a McDonald's fried apple pie
McDonald's brought its fried apple pie — which was discontinued in 1992 — back in time for America's 250th birthday celebration.

Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert

Vintage photos show what it was like to eat at McDonald's in the 1980s

Tech Insider : Business, Style
A young employee holding a tray of McDonald's food on May 9, 1986.
A young employee held a tray of McDonald's food on May 9, 1986.

Trevor James Robert Dallen/Fairfax Media/Getty Images

McDonald's CEO just shared some bad news about the K-shaped economy

Tech Insider : Economy, Business, Environment
McDonald's President and CEO Chris Kempczinski listens as U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the McDonald's Impact Summit at the Westin DC Downtown on November 17, 2025.
McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said spending patterns between higher- and lower-income consumers will diverge further.

Win McNamee/Getty Images

McDonald's CEO predicted peak drink innovation. I regret to inform you: He was right.

Tech Insider : Business, Style
McDonald's new
The Orange Dream and Wtrawberry Watermelon Refresher drinks at McDonald's are part of the new "dirty soda" collection. I love it.

Katie Notopoulos / Business Insider

McDonald's is shaking up your soda run

Tech Insider : Business
McDonald's Drinks
McDonald's has a new lineup of crafted sodas and refreshers.

McDonald's

I compared Chili's Big Crispy chicken sandwich to McDonald's McCrispy. One was a way better value.

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Style
chilis chicken sandwich and mcdonalds chicken sandwich
Chili's is taking on the fast-food giant with five new chicken sandwich flavors and an update to its 3-For-Me value meal.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

I found boxes of my dad's McDonald's memorabilia from the '70s and '80s. I decided to sell them all.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
Woman posing with McDonald's memorabilia
Sarah Israel's dad was a McDonald's executive and kept tons of memorabilia from the 80s.

Courtesy of Sarah Israel

McDonald's CEO said he blames his mother for his infamous Big Arch taste test

Tech Insider : Business, Economy, Style
McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski at a podium
CEO Chris Kempczinski said he blamed his mother for his infamous Big Arch taste test.

Richard Drew/AP

I compared McDonald's Big Arch and Big Mac burgers. The Big Arch put the chain's signature burger to shame.

Tech Insider : Business
mcdonalds big arch vs big mac
I compared McDonald's Big Arch and Big Mac burgers. I preferred the newer burger.

Erin McDowell/Business Insider

Costco's CEO chows down on a $1.50 hot dog combo in the latest riff on the McDonald's burger meme

Tech Insider : Business, Style
Customers wait in line to order below signage for the Costco Kirkland Signature $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, in California.
Costco's CEO says the $1.50 hot dog combo is here to stay.

PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

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