McDonald's launches new burger and shake - along with return of a beloved character...
EVERYONE'S favorite fast-food mascot is coming back to town to celebrate his birthday later this June.
McDonald's announced Tuesday that starting on June 12 it will be expanding its menu in honor of the plush purple puppet Grimace.
More Context
What Grimace-inspired merchandise does McDonald's release?
5 Part of the menu change is in honor of Grimace's birthday Credit: McDonalds
5 McDonald's is also launching a Cheesy Jalapeno Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese Credit: Getty
5 The fast-food chain is launching a purple shake in honor of the mascot Credit: McDonalds
The popular chain restaurant revealed that hungry customers will be able to order the Grimace Birthday Meal.
The meal features a Bic Mac or 10-piece Chicken Nuggets along with a side of fries and limited-edition purple shake, according to a press release obtained by TODAY.com.
The shake is "inspired by Grimace's iconic color and sweetness."
The first ever purple shake is made of vanilla soft serve and berry flavors with a whipped topping.
"Whether you've attended an epic party at the PlayPlace or swapped the fancy dinner for what you were really craving (hello, McNuggets), we know birthdays with McDonald's hold a special place in our fans' hearts," the McDonald's press release read.
"Now, we're inviting everyone to create new birthday memories with us," it continued, according to TODAY.
"This time, in honor of their fuzzy purple bestie. Get your party hat ready, 'cause we're celebrating Grimace's birthday."
McDonald's has also announced that the fast-food restaurant will be releasing a racing video game featuring the purple blob.
Gamers will find the beloved mascot in a race to cut his birthday cake, encountering other fan favorites like Birdie and the Hamburglar along the way.
It will be available on desktop and mobile starting June 12.
Fans will also be able to purchase Grimace-theme merchandise such as T-shirts and purple socks.
Grimace himself has reportedly asked his hungry fans to donate funds to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.
On June 13 and 14, McDonald's fans will be able to share their favorite birthday memories on Instagram via McDonald's Instragram stories with an "add yours" sticker.
For every picture shared, the company has vowed to donate $5 up until $200,000.
Grimace was first introduced by the company in a 1972 commercial, where he stole all of the cups in the store to prevent customers from enjoying milkshakes and sodas.
More Context
What is the history of Grimace as a McDonald's character and how does it fit into the company's branding strategy?
At the time, he was known as the "Evil Grimace," and was later rebranded to the fan-favorite he is today.
Over the years, fans have speculated about Grimace's true identity, with some labeling him a tastebud, blob, gumdrop, or even brain freeze.
Also this month, McDonald's is expanding its regular menu with a brand new burger.
On Sunday, food news website ChewBoom reported that a Cheesy Jalapeno Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese will soon be available for hungry customers.
The delicious sounding item features a Quarter Pounder patty with two slices of American cheese, three half-strips of applewood-smoked bacon, pickled jalapenos, and cheese sauce.
McDonald's fans can order the burger as a single or double.