A review of the Big Arch burger by McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski caused a stir on social media, with users mocking his small bite and his decision to call the food a "product."

My taste test of McDonald's new "Big Arch" burger. Katie Notopoulos / Business Insider McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski is getting roasted for a video he posted.

McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski went viral after sharing an 'awkward' video on Instagram where he tested a new menu item, described as the 'biggest burger ever'.

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I tried chicken tenders from 14 different fast-food chains and ranked them based on taste and value. Erin McDowell/Business Insider I tried chicken tenders from 14 different fast-food chains. Chick-fil-A and KFC's chicken tenders were similar in their breaded texture. Raising Cane's impressed me with its crispy yet juicy tenders and delicious signature sauce. The fast-food chicken wars have entered a new battleground — now, it's all about the tender. McDonald's launched its McCrispy Strips in May last year, marking the first time chicken strips have been on the menu since the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, a few months later, Wendy's launched its own Wendy's Tendys and a lineup of six new sauces made for dunking. "Consumers told us what they wanted in a chicken tender, and we listened — taste-tested, fine-tuned, and delivered," Lindsay Radkoski, Wendy's US chief marketing officer, told Business Insider. I decided to compare chicken tenders from 14 fast-food chains across the country to see which were the best. Here's how the tenders ranked, from worst to best, based on taste and value. Of all the chicken tenders I tried, Whataburger's didn't completely wow me. Erin McDowell/Business Insider A three-piece chicken tender cost $7.48 at Whataburger at the location I visited in Austin. The chicken tenders were large and perfectly fried. Erin McDowell/Business Insider I thought the tenders could only be described as "classic" — they weren't anything out-of-the-box, but I enjoyed them. The meat inside was juicy, but I thought the fried coating could have had a bit more crunch. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken tenders tasted good on their own, as well as with ranch dipping sauce. They weren't bad by any stretch of the imagination. However, I did think the other tenders I tried were slightly crispier and had just the slightest hint of more flavor in the batter. Regardless, for a relatively low price, I'd definitely order these again. I also ordered chicken tenders from Cook Out, a regional chain I visited in South Carolina. Cook Out chicken tenders. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The three-piece "snack" cost $4.99, not including tax. The chicken tenders were crispy on the outside. Cook Out chicken tender. Erin McDowell/Business Insider They were also a good size. I thought the price was also a great deal for the generous portion I received. However, there wasn't an abundance of chicken meat inside. Cook Out chicken tender. Erin McDowell/Business Insider These were undeniably classic chicken tenders, similar to the ones from Whataburger, but they were a touch too fried for my liking. However, I thought they were well-seasoned and had a lot of peppery flavor. Smashburger's chicken tenders were just slightly too fried for my liking. Erin McDowell/Business Insider An order of three chicken tenders from Smashburger costs $9.99, excluding tax and fees. I thought this was a little pricey. The chicken tenders were heavily fried and bigger than other ones I tried. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The breading on the chicken tenders felt thick and crunchy. The chicken tenders, overall, tasted dry, even when paired with sauce. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken meat inside and the ranch dipping sauce provided could only do so much to offset the intense dryness of the crunchy breading. The next time I order from Smashburger, I'll stick to the chain's beef offerings. Next up were the crispy chicken tenders from Sonic Drive-In. Erin McDowell/Business Insider A five-piece order of chicken tenders cost $8.41, excluding tax. The chicken tenders were evenly fried but on the thinner side. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Rather than thick and juicy like some of the other chicken tenders I tried, these were flatter. In fact, I'd say these were the thinnest and flattest tenders out of all the ones I tried. I enjoyed the flavor of the seasoning, but there was a lot to be desired when it came to texture. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken was on the drier side, and there simply wasn't a lot of it. I gravitate toward thicker, more shreddable chicken tenders, and these slightly missed the mark for me. However, the flavor was definitely there — the breading had a peppery essence and the tenders were evenly fried. My ninth favorite chicken tenders came from Popeyes. Erin McDowell/Business Insider A three-piece tender combo costs $16.89 before taxes and fees. The meal deal included a large serving of fries, a drink, and a biscuit, as well as a choice of dipping sauces. The chicken tenders from Popeyes were crispy, flaky, and crunchy. Erin McDowell/Business Insider I really liked the crunchy exterior. The meat inside was flaky and moist as well. Popeyes chicken tender dipped in ranch sauce. Erin McDowell/Business Insider I also thought the batter was quite flavorful — I could taste hints of seasoning and buttermilk, although they weren't quite as buttery-tasting as the Chick-fil-A tenders. However, this meal felt expensive for only three chicken tenders, even though they were large. I thought the chicken tenders from Bojangles were flavorful and super crispy. Erin McDowell/Business Insider A four-piece chicken tenders combo, including fries, a medium drink, and a biscuit, cost me $10.49, excluding taxes and fees. I thought the chicken tenders were a good size. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The texture and flavor of the breading made them taste like a cross between the chicken tenders from Chick-fil-A and Cook Out. The breading was peppery, just the right thickness, and perfectly encased the juicy white chicken meat inside. Erin McDowell/Business Insider I also thought the price was fair, considering the amount of food I received. The chicken tenders paired perfectly with honey mustard but were also tasty on their own. I would definitely order these again. Wendy's is the latest chain to bring out chicken tenders. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Wendy's new tenders are available in a three-piece or four-piece option. I ordered a three-piece tender for $8.12, excluding tax and fees, at my local restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. The tenders were about the same size as the ones from McDonald's, but crispier. The breading was crunchier and thicker than some other chains. Erin McDowell/Business Insider However, I preferred the slightly thinner breading on the McDonald's and KFC tenders. In terms of flavor, these tenders had a distinct peppery flavor that paired well with the new signature sauce introduced with the tenders' release. These tenders were solid, and I'd order them again. The breading was well seasoned, but I wanted more chicken. Erin McDowell/Business Insider However, the slight lack of chicken meat inside — at least compared to other chains — and the chunky breading prevented Wendy's tenders from ranking higher for me. KFC's original recipe chicken tenders really impressed me with their taste and value. Erin McDowell/Business Insider I ordered a four-piece tender meal for $13.65, excluding taxes and fees, in Brooklyn, New York. I thought this was excellent value for the amount of food I received. The tenders were well-breaded on the outside, though the breading wasn't as crispy or crunchy as others I tried. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The breading stuck closely to the chicken tenders, rather than having a thick or crunchy texture. However, the chicken tenders paired well with the chain's honey mustard and new comeback sauce. The breading had a tasty, very peppery flavor to it that was unique compared to the other chicken tenders I tried. The chicken tenders were flavorful and contained an impressive amount of white meat chicken. Erin McDowell/Business Insider However, the slightly less crispy texture of the breading meant they didn't come out on top when compared to the last six chains I tried. McDonald's recently launched its new McCrispy Strips. Erin McDowell/Business Insider At my local McDonald's in Brooklyn, New York, three McCrispy chicken strips cost $10.99, excluding tax and fees. The chicken strips were large and evenly coated in breading. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken strips differed from the chain's buttermilk crispy tenders, which were discontinued in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicken tenders haven't been on the menu since, despite fans' pleas to bring them back. The breading was relatively thin, but very crispy. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Unlike some flakier chicken tenders, each bite was evenly coated in well-seasoned, peppery breading. Inside, the chicken meat was thick and juicy. Paired with the chain's creamy chili sauce, which was specifically created to go with the chicken strips, these packed a decent amount of flavor. However, on their own, I thought they were just a touch blander than some of the higher-ranked tenders I tried. Taco Bell released chicken strips after bringing out nuggets last year. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Taco Bell's chicken strips were available as part of three different kinds of tacos and burritos, or on their own with dipping sauce. An order of four chicken strips and two sauces cost $9.14, excluding tax and fees. The chicken strips were thick, juicy, and the ideal level of crispy. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken strips were marinated in zesty jalapeño buttermilk and breaded with crispy tortilla chips and breadcrumbs, which is the same formula as the chain's chicken nuggets, which I ranked as my favorite across six chains. The chicken strips packed a lot of flavor. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The breading was super flavorful, and I definitely got hints of tortilla chip. The chicken inside was also moist and juicy, while the breading remained crispy. My only real complaint was that I wanted more than two. Chick-fil-A's chicken tenders were perfectly crispy and juicy. Erin McDowell/Business Insider When it's not included in a meal deal, a three-piece chicken tender costs $9.69 at my nearest location in New York City. For a meal, the price bumps up to $17.35, excluding tax and fees. Some of the chicken pieces looked slightly darker and more fried than others. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Small bits of fried breading were scattered on the outside, which I always love with chicken tenders. The chicken tenders were nicely fried but still juicy on the inside. Erin McDowell/Business Insider When I dipped them in the chain's signature Chick-fil-A sauce, the experience was mouthwatering. The chicken tenders were also great on their own, with the perfect balance of crispy breading and a delicious, briny flavor. The sauce just took them over the edge. Wingstop's chicken tenders came in third place. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Wingstop recently revamped its chicken tenders, and I was excited to try them out. The chain sells its chicken in various flavors, from original hot to hickory-smoked barbecue and mango habanero. However, I ordered these chicken tenders plain. I ordered a five-piece chicken tender combo at my local Wingstop in Brooklyn, New York. It cost $15.39 and came with a drink, dipping sauce, and a regular side of fries. The chain also sells four chicken tenders, which come with one dipping sauce, for $10.69, plus tax and fees. The chicken tenders were large and well-breaded. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken tenders were deep golden in color and evenly fried, with small clumps of fried breading adding even more texture to every bite. These tenders were filled with real chicken. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken tender easily tore apart with every bite, which is something I look for. The breading itself was slightly peppery, but not overly flavorful. They paired well with Wingstop's signature ranch — my favorite of any fast-food ranch — and the chain's honey mustard. Wingstop delivered great classic tenders, though the breading didn't pack as much flavor as the top two chains I tried. Nevertheless, I'd definitely order these again. My second favorite chicken tenders came from Zaxby's. Erin McDowell/Business Insider A five-piece chicken tenders combo came with fries, a small drink, coleslaw, and a piece of Texas toast. I also asked for a side of honey mustard and Zaxby's famous Zax sauce. My meal cost $15.43, excluding taxes and fees. The breading of the chicken tenders was similar to Chick-fil-A's in consistency, flavor, and texture, but I thought these ones had more meat. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The breading was crispy and flavorful, with a slight sweetness. The chicken tenders held their own without sauce but were really taken to the next level when dipped in the tangy Zax sauce. Erin McDowell/Business Insider Zax sauce tastes similar to the Cane's sauce I tried from Raising Cane's, but I found it to be just ever-so-slightly less flavorful, and creamy. I also thought it didn't have the same kick. However, the chicken tenders really impressed me. They were a good size, extremely flavorful, and addictingly delicious. I found myself craving even more than the five chicken tenders I was given, which is rare for me. In the end, it was a really tough call on whether I preferred Zaxby's or Raising Cane's chicken tenders. But my favorite chicken tenders came from Raising Cane's. Erin McDowell/Business Insider A combo that includes three chicken fingers, fries, Cane's sauce, Texas toast, and a regular drink costs $12.19, excluding tax and any additions or swaps. The chicken tenders were super crispy. Erin McDowell/Business Insider The chicken tenders were also thick. After biting in, I could actually see the strips of white chicken underneath, which, in my experience, you don't always find with fast-food chicken tenders. The chicken tenders were crispy and juicy on the inside — I had to give them the win. Erin McDowell/Business Insider I tried the tenders on their own and with the Cane's sauce. On their own, the tenders were simply everything one could ask for: thick, juicy, and crispy on the outside. However, the chain is famous for its chicken-complementing sauce, and after biting in, I could definitely see why. It had a slight kick to it, and it was creamy and surprisingly tangy. It paired perfectly with the chicken and was unlike any other sauce I've ever tried. In the end, Raising Cane's took home the win for me with the chain's near-perfect chicken tenders and fair prices. Read the original article on Business Insider

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Lisa Werner/Getty Images Gen Z now leads restaurant loyalty signups, reshaping rewards programs. Survey data shows that diners will switch brands for better, faster loyalty perks. QSR giants are doubling down on digital rewards to win Gen Z — and it's paying off. Gen Z isn't just signing up for restaurant loyalty programs. They're raising the bar for how those programs have to work. By 2024, nearly half of all new loyalty program signups came from Gen Z as the cohort overtook millennials as the most active generation in restaurant rewards programs for the first time, according to data from PAR Punchh, a loyalty program software from the foodservice tech company PAR Technology. That number has only increased as more and more of the generation, aged 14-29, start flexing their spending power. "Gen Z isn't just participating," Savneet Singh, PAR's CEO, told Business Insider. "They're redefining loyalty." National data backs up just how central these programs have become for this generation. Gen Z consumers make up a higher-than-average share of restaurant customers who say being a member of a loyalty or rewards program is important when choosing where to eat, the National Restaurant Association's 2026 State of the Restaurant Industry report showed. That holds true across dining behaviors — whether they're eating in, ordering delivery, or grabbing takeout — and across segments, from drive-thru and limited-service chains to full-service restaurants. Singh argues that the generational takeover is structural, not cyclical. Gen Z grew up with smartphones and came of age during a pandemic that turbocharged mobile ordering and digital payments. For them, digital ordering, real-time rewards, and seamless app experiences aren't just perks — they're table stakes. "When loyalty is frictionless, Gen Z shows up," Singh said. "When it's clunky, they move on immediately." Rewards programs are no longer optional New survey data from PAR underscores the significance of loyalty programs for consumers. In a December report based on a survey of 1,000 US diners, nearly 70% said loyalty programs help them manage costs in today's inflationary environment. One-third said they're using restaurant loyalty programs more often because of economic pressure, and another third said their usage has held steady. A good deal from a rewards program can make all the difference. One in four respondents said they'd switch to a less-preferred restaurant for better loyalty perks, and half said they compare offers before deciding where to eat. How restaurants respond to that demand defines which formats resonate most with younger diners. PAR's platform data shows Gen Z over-indexing at quick-service restaurants like McDonald's and Taco Bell. In 2024, they accounted for more than a third of check-ins at QSR brands, compared with 20.8% at fast-casual restaurants like Chipotle and Panera Bread. Singh said the appeal is execution: speed, price, convenience, and integrated loyalty perks in one place. Fast casual establishments, by contrast, can sit in "an awkward middle ground" — not as convenient as QSRs and not as experiential as full-service dining. In a crowded landscape where PAR found that over half of consumers prefer managing no more than five loyalty accounts, clear value and seamless execution can determine which brands make the cut. And the chains that embrace the generational trend are already seeing the payoff. Taco Bell delivered 7% same-store sales growth in the fourth quarter, driven in part by transaction gains, especially among younger customers. The Mexican chain's active loyalty members climbed 31% in 2025, and digital channels saw double-digit growth, as app-exclusive drops and rewards nudged its core customers to visit more often. CEO Sean Tresvant told Business Insider earlier this month that "loyalty is going to continue to be a big story for us," adding that Taco Bell will be "really leaning into" its rewards strategy going forward. McDonald's is also leaning heavily into digital engagement. On its fourth-quarter earnings call on Wednesday, CFO Ian Borden described active loyalty membership as the company's "single most important digital metric." McDonald's has about 210 million 90-day active loyalty users across 70 markets, and 46 million active users in the US, he added. Borden said that, in the US, customers visited 10 and a half times in the year before joining the loyalty program — and 26 times in the year after. "When we get consumers into our loyalty program, they visit more often, they spend more over time, and they interact with us more frequently, so they get more value in their interaction with us, and we get more value by them interacting with us," Borden said. Starbucks also recently revamped its rewards program, bringing back its tiered system, extending the window for members to redeem their free birthday reward, and introducing a quicker-to-earn tier that lets customers redeem 60 Stars for $2 off any purchase — a move that lowers the barrier to instant gratification, which Singh said is particularly appealing to Gen Z. That kind of immediacy matters. PAR's survey found that discounts and free items or upgrades remain the most influential rewards, while more than half of respondents said better reward value, such as a surprise free item after a large order, would prompt them to switch programs. For Singh, the takeaway is clear: loyalty is less about points and more about performance. The brands that make participation effortless, deliver instant value, and respect privacy boundaries won't just win Gen Z — they'll define the next era of dining. Read the original article on Business Insider