McDonalds Refuses To Squash Beef With Burger King

Give peace a chance? No, says McDonalds after being offered an opportunity to join Burger King for one day to create a Big Mac-Whopper hybrid, all in honor of Peace Day on Sept. 21.

The publicity stunt began on Wednesday, when full-page ads appeared in the New York Times and Chicago Tribune, as well as social media, proposing the truce.

In the ad, Burger King proposes the two fast food chains join to operate one restaurant for one day, Sept. 21, staffed by employees from both businesses, and sell the McWhopper: a Franken-sandwich that combines the elements of both franchises’ signature burgers.

The proceeds raised would go to the nonprofit organization Peace One Day, a group that tries to raise awareness for the United Nations’ International Day of Peace.

But alas, the excitement was short-lived. Soon, McDonalds CEO Steve Easterbrook (surprisingly not Ronald McDonald) put a fork in the peace talks.

“We love the intention but think our two brands could do something bigger to make a difference,” read a Facebook post signed by Easterbrook.

Ouch. And as uncomfortable as that post might seem considering the benign nature of BK’s idea, Easterbrook seemingly went in for the kill with the scolding postscript, “A simple phone call will do next time.”

And so it appears, for now at least, if you want a McWhopper, you’ll have to visit the two restaurants separately and combine the ingredients yourself.