McDonald's and Burger King holiday promotions spark major backlash

The food industry is becoming increasingly difficult to navigate as consumer spending slows, operational costs rise, and competition intensifies.

In response, many fast-food chains are leaning heavily into menu innovation, rolling out limited-time items and collaborations to attract consumers.

This December 2, both McDonald's and Burger King partnered with nostalgic franchises to debut limited-time themed meals and menu items.

However, the demand was so strong that some locations reportedly ran out of several of the limited-time offerings within days of their release, resulting in widespread shortages and sparking customer frustration nationwide.

McDonald’s launches The Grinch Meal for Christmas 2025

McDonald's (MCD), in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, launched The Grinch Meal in the U.S., a festive bundle inspired by the classic "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" movie. 

Although this marked a first time for the U.S., it was introduced last year across select international markets, including Canada, Ireland, Australia, and the UK.

The Grinch Meal includes:

• New Dill Pickle McShaker Fries
• A choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets
• A medium drink
• A pair of holiday-themed Grinch socks in one of four designs
• Grinch-themed Happy Meal packaging

Burger King debuts the SpongeBob Movie Menu

Burger King unveiled its own nostalgic collaboration, called the SpongeBob Movie Menu, with Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants to celebrate the upcoming film "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants."

The promotion features a themed menu and two bundle meals.

SpongeBob Movie Menu items

• SpongeBob's Krabby Whopper
• Mr. Krabs' Cheesy Bacon Tots
• Patrick's Star-berry Shortcake Pie
• Pirate's Frozen Pineapple Float

SpongeBob Meal Bundles

• Bikini Bottom Bundle: All four new menu items packaged in a pineapple-shaped Under the Sea Box
• King Jr. Meal: A special-edition kids' meal in a pineapple-shaped Under the Sea Box, including one of six collectible SpongeBob toys and a limited-edition crown

McDonald's and Burger King sell out of promo items

As excitement for the new releases surged, many locations of both chains ran out of food items and promotional merchandise far earlier than customers expected, leading to mounting frustration online.

McDonald's receives backlash for running out of The Grinch Meal

One Reddit user posted a thread claiming their local McDonald's continued selling The Grinch Meal despite running out of socks, only informing them after the order was handed over and had already been paid for, without offering any discount.

A commenter shared a similar experience, explaining that they demanded the price difference to be refunded.

"It wasn't much, but it was the principle of the matter," wrote the commenter.

A self-identified McDonald's employee also weighed in, commenting: "My store ran out and we disabled the meal from being bought. Sounds like someone on duty didn't know what they were doing."

Another proclaimed McDonald's worker commented: "Corporate explicitly told all restaurants that we could continue the Grinch meals if we ran out of boxes or the shaker bags. But if we ran out of the seasoning or socks, we were to stop selling them and place them on outage immediately for this reason."

McDonald's responded in a statement to TheStreet.

"The Grinch promised a holiday treat, and our fans jumped to their feet... The Grinch Meal is selling left and right. We're thrilled that his meal has become a big hit, and that customers are making new memories with socks in their kit."

The company also noted that The Grinch Meal was intended to be available for a limited time, while supplies last. Although restaurants have begun selling out, the meal is still being served at some restaurants across the country, but it is expected that most locations will run out within the next few days.

Burger King reports similar supply issues with SpongeBob items

Burger King wasn't spared from supply constraints, either. One Reddit user posted a thread claiming that most Los Angeles locations had already sold out of the SpongeBob Movie Menu only two days after launch.

A New York City user reported the same issue, commenting: "I am in NYC and every Burger King is sold out. They removed the collab off their site and online ordering. Now I have to wait and see if maybe it comes back."

A self-identified Burger King employee blamed the warehouse for underestimating demand and customers for overbuying, commenting: "It also didn't help that customers were buying 4 or more. The location I worked ran out of the Pineapple float in a day and a half, ran out of pies and bacon tots yesterday. It will depend on when your location gets a truck and how well that manager did the order. Though if the warehouse is out, there is nothing they can do."

Burger King didn't immediately respond to TheStreet's request for comment.

Demand outpaced supply of limited-time menu items

Fast-food chains typically rely on demand forecasting and inventory management to estimate supplies and reduce waste. Because both collaborations were limited-time releases, McDonald's and Burger King likely based their projections on historical data from similar promotions.

The shortages are actually a positive indicator that demand surpassed expectations, suggesting the new offerings are resonating with consumers. 

This isn't the first time McDonald's has faced this issue. Earlier this year, the relaunch of the Snack Wrap led to lettuce shortages at some locations.

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The chain resolved the problem quickly, but in the meantime, it instructed the affected franchisees to prioritize lettuce in the wraps and temporarily reduce its usage in other menu items, according to The Wall Street Journal. 

Despite the hiccup, McDonald's comparable U.S. sales increased 2.4% year over year in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, attributing the growth to its efforts to provide customers with everyday value, menu innovation, and compelling marketing.

Restaurant Brands International's (QSR) Burger King has also seen positive results from its investments in past menu innovation, with comparable U.S. sales rising 3.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2025.

Related: Hershey creates wild new holiday candy lineup