How One Of McDonald's Worst Burgers And The Filet-O-Fish Fought For A Permanent Menu Spot

In the early 1960s, McDonald's was expanding rapidly across the United States, but its menu faced a challenge in regions with significant Catholic populations, particularly during Lent when many abstained from eating meat on Fridays. To address this, two franchisees proposed different solutions. Lou Groen, a franchise owner in a predominantly Catholic area of Cincinnati, introduced the Filet-O-Fish, a simple sandwich with a breaded fish patty, tartar sauce, and a steamed bun. Meanwhile, another franchisee offered the Hula Burger, which featured a slice of grilled pineapple with cheese on a bun. Ray Kroc, McDonald's founder, was skeptical of both ideas but decided to test them against each other. On a Friday in 1962, the two sandwiches went head-to-head in a sales competition. The Filet-O-Fish emerged victorious, selling 350 sandwiches compared to the Hula Burger's six. The success of the Filet-O-Fish not only secured its place on the permanent menu but also highlighted the importance of menu innovation and adaptation to local preferences. This pivotal moment underscored McDonald's ability to evolve and cater to diverse customer needs, further solidifying its position as a fast-food giant.