Duane Beckett
At long last, fast-food fans can rejoice nationwide as of March 3, 2026. McDonald’s is finally bringing its Big Arch Burger to the U.S.
There are a couple of caveats: it’s for a limited time only, and only at participating restaurants.
The Big Arch Burger is pitched as a bigger, premium-style burger for fans who want something heavier than the company’s usual lineup.
Credit: Cheryl V. Jackson / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
What is the Big Arch Burger?
You might be wondering why this is a big deal, it’s just another burger. Well, the Big Arch comes packing:
- Two quarter-pound beef patties
- Three slices of white cheddar
- Crispy and slivered onions
- Lettuce and pickles
- A new Big Arch Sauce
- Plus the classic toasted sesame and poppy seed bun.
According to McDonald’s, it’s the “most McDonald’s, McDonald’s burger.”
As someone who now has to pay close attention to what I eat, the first things on my checklist include counting calories. On the McDonald’s U.S. product page, the Big Arch is listed at 1,020 calories. If you were to have a Big Arch Meal with medium fries and a medium Coca-Cola, that’s a whopping 1,610 calories.
Why all the fuss?
According to FOODbible, this burger has already built a following overseas, with launches and pilots across places, including Canada and parts of Europe. Effectively, it has been a big hit abroad.
People reported that the Big Arch was previously tested in Canada and European countries and added that it is already a permanent menu item in the U.K. and Ireland. This helps explain why so many U.S. McDonald’s fans have been waiting for it to show up here.
The New York Post reported the burger has already drawn attention for both its size and price. It’s expected to cost $7.59 to $9.29 for the burger alone, depending on where you live. Meal combos are expected to be around $14.29 in some spots.
Reader’s Digest also reported that the price varies by location, with some fans highlighting that the price near them is closer to $10. Simply put, check the menus before you order.
Starting Tuesday, March 3, head to your local McDonald’s or load up the app to pick one up.