McDonald’s National Cheeseburger Day 2025: the 50¢ Double Cheeseburger explained

McDonald’s leverages National Cheeseburger Day 2025 to showcase its digital strategy and operational planning with a 50¢ Double Cheeseburger promotion. Credit Shutterstock

McDonald’s is celebrating National Cheeseburger Day on September 18 with a headline-grabbing promotion: a Double Cheeseburger for just 50¢, available exclusively through its mobile app. The offer, valid for one day only at participating locations, is limited to one per customer, and has already generated widespread attention across social media and news outlets. While it’s a clear win for consumers, the deal also highlights the strategic thinking behind McDonald’s approach to pricing, digital engagement, and customer loyalty in the current economic climate.

Driving digital engagement and customer loyalty

Rising food costs have made value-driven promotions increasingly important for fast-food chains. In the United States, consumer food inflation remains elevated, prompting greater price sensitivity, especially among households with tighter budgets. By tying a deep discount to a culturally recognised event, McDonald’s National Cheeseburger Day campaign encourages app downloads and mobile ordering. The 50¢ Double Cheeseburger is not just a cheap meal; it is a tool to drive digital engagement, capture consumer data, and strengthen long-term customer relationships.

The operational demands of such a promotion are significant. Offering a product at such a low price can lead to unpredictable surges in orders, requiring precise forecasting and agile supply chain management. From ensuring adequate ingredient supply to managing in-store inventory and staffing levels, the chain must maintain service quality while handling a sudden spike in demand. The app-based promotion also allows McDonald’s to control order flow and collect valuable data on consumer behaviour.

Industry response and consumer Impact

Other chains, including Burger King, have launched their own promotions for National Cheeseburger Day, highlighting the broader industry trend toward value-led, digitally enabled campaigns. In a competitive market with rising costs, fast-food operators are increasingly using data-driven promotions to attract and retain customers rather than relying solely on product quality.

For consumers, McDonald’s 50¢ Double Cheeseburger represents an opportunity to enjoy a classic menu item at an unbeatable price. Beyond the immediate value, the promotion also demonstrates the convenience and benefits of mobile ordering, a central component of the modern quick-service experience. 

This marks a busy week for the fast food giant, who recently announced a $200m commitment to regenerative agriculture and responsible beef sourcing,