McDonald's CEO Goes Viral for How He Eats New Burger ‘Product'
McDonald's CEO and Chairman Chris Kempczinski has been mocked online after posting an awkward promotional video of himself trying the chain's new Big Arch Burger, with viewers questioning both his delivery and apparent discomfort while eating it.
Kempczinski shared the clip last month while introducing the oversized sandwich, which is currently being tested in Portugal, Germany and Canada ahead of its U.S. launch on Tuesday.
The video, posted to Instagram, was intended to promote what McDonald's has described as its biggest burger yet, but quickly became a viral talking point for different reasons.
In the clip, Kempczinski lifts the towering burger and remarks on its size before taking what many viewers described as an unusually small first bite. Moments later, he appears stiff and uncomfortable, prompting widespread ridicule across social media platforms.
Reaction was swift, with users questioning both the presentation and the executive's apparent reluctance. "That was the smallest first bite I've ever seen," one commenter wrote. Another added: "It scares me when you call food ‘product.'" Others focused on the overall tone of the video, with one remarking: "This was the most unnatural thing I've ever seen. We need to see less CEOs doing normal stuff. I don't like it."
Newsweek reached out to McDonald’s via email for comment.
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Why the McDonald's CEO Video Went Viral
Much of the criticism centered on Kempczinski's corporate delivery and language, particularly his reference to the burger as a "product" rather than food.
Now with more than 3 million views on Instagram, several users suggested the phrasing made the moment feel overly scripted, while others said it highlighted a disconnect between corporate leadership and everyday customers.
The clip was widely reshared on platforms including X, TikTok and Reddit, where users joked that the McDonald's boss appeared unfamiliar with his own menu. Some claimed the video made it look as though he "definitely doesn't eat at McDonald's," while others mocked the careful bite as evidence of hesitation rather than enthusiasm.
What Is the Big Arch Burger?
The Big Arch Burger is McDonald's latest release for customers seeking a larger, more indulgent option.
The sandwich features two quarter‑pound beef patties, white cheddar cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions and a signature Big Arch sauce, stacked between sesame‑topped buns.
The burger has already been rolled out in several international markets and has performed strongly enough in some countries to be added to permanent menus. In the United States, however, it is launching as a limited‑time offering beginning Tuesday.
Memes and Pop Culture Comparisons
As the video continued to circulate, memes quickly followed. Some users compared the moment to a well‑known gag from The Simpsons, in which Krusty the Clown enthusiastically promotes a Krusty Burger on camera, only to spit it out as soon as filming ends.
Others shared clips of a moment from the cartoon Spongebob Squarepants where a character takes the smallest bite possible of a burger.
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This story was originally published March 2, 2026 at 6:57 AM.