Fast food is fast developing a reputation for fast-laugh product development.
Did you think Burger King’s alleged Whopper toothpaste was a little much? McDonald’s has tossed its own goofy offering into the mix—the Frork, which is basically a plastic red handle into which you can stuff three french fries to use as prongs.
Created to promote its Signature Crafted Recipes sandwich line, the item is introduced in an “infomercial” starring English pitchman Anthony Sullivan, known for promoting such renowned American inventions as OxiClean and the GrillGlove (“great for lobsters!”).
“Will the Frork change your life? Probably not,” Sullivan says. “Will the Frork improve your Signature Crafted Recipes eating experience? I mean, sure … maybe.”
Points for honesty.
In Sullivan’s defense, the hyperbole is measured with some tongue-in-cheek deprecation. The tricky-to-pronounce Frork is “flavor-focused” yet “fundamentally superfluous!” It’s “ludicrous…ly easy to use!”
Meanwhile, Sullivan and a chef with a deranged late-night grin demonstrate the Frork’s merits by using it to mop up sauce around dripping Signature sandwiches, including the Pico Guacamole, Sweet BBQ Bacon and Maple Bacon Dijon.
“We started with All Day Breakfast, updated our Chicken McNuggets, offered new Mac sandwich sizes for every occasion, and now we’re introducing Signature Crafted Recipes because they are inspired by our customers,” says McDonald’s chef Michael Haracz in a statement. “And while the Frork is supremely superfluous, it shows that McDonald’s is willing to do whatever it takes to help them enjoy every last bite.”
Or at least add one more weird step between your fingers and your mouth.
In case you need more stuff for the utensils drawer, a limited supply of Frorks will be available when you purchase a Signature Crafted Recipes sandwich on May 5 at participating restaurants. The products range from $4.99 to $5.19.
As of April 30, people who simply can’t wait can also call the number in the infomercial: 1-844-MCD-FRORK (1-844-623-3767), where they’ll be told how to get both the Frork and coupons for the sandwiches. Alternatively, you can visit McDonalds.com.
Customers who don’t care either way will still be rewarded: From May 4 to May 8, Signature Crafted Recipes sandwich buyers will score free medium French fries (Frork not included) and a drink.
