Shots fired! Dunkin’ (the establishment formerly known as Dunkin’ Donuts) and McDonald’s are in the midst of a rather public disagreement. The two fast-food chains both sell doughnut products that are shaped like french fries – Dunkin’ has Dunkin’ Donut Fries, while McDonald’s recently debuted its Donut Sticks – and apparently that’s a problem.
Dunkin’, which released its fry-inspired take on doughnuts in July 2018, well before McDonald’s debuted its strikingly similar version last month, took to Twitter earlier this week to throw some shade at the Golden Arches.
“What a weird coincidence…@McDonalds came out with Donut Sticks, and we just released the blueprints to our new donut packaging…” the brand tweeted alongside a sketch of copycat Big Mac boxes.
The dig has received dozens of comments, and many Twitter followers are eagerly awaiting to see if and when McDonald’s will craft a comeback. Thus far, the world’s most popular fast-food chain has yet to respond. “What do you have to say for yourself @McDonalds?” asked one social media user. Added another: “Next up is the McMunchkin.”
However, though everyone loves a quippy, lighthearted Twitter feud, it doesn’t sound like there are any plans to escalate this rift between Dunkin’ and McDonald’s. “This was just for fun in reaction to competitors imitating our success with Donut Fries,” a spokesperson for the coffee chain told Business Insider. The rep added that the slight was simply meant to serve as a “reminder that America runs on Dunkin’ coffee and donuts.”
This is hardly the first time a competitor has come for the home of the Big Mac. Wendy’s, which is known for its particularly savage tweets, has skewered McDonald’s on more than one occasion. In January 2017, after a follower asked how much a Big Mac costs, Wendy’s replied, “Your dignity.”
In March 2018, the beloved restaurant empire was on the attack once more, and roasted McDonald’s for its use of frozen beef. “Happy #NationalFrozenFoodDay,” Wendy’s wrote, adding, “we believe in using fresh, never frozen beef in every cheeseburger everyday.”
