McDonald’s has introduced a brand new mascot to their team. However, this newest member to the family has been met with criticism on social media.
According to Businessweek, the mascot, which is shaped like a box with eyes that pop out and a mouth full of teeth, has been met with not so positive comments from people on social media. The mascot, named Happy, was supposed be a promotion for healthier eating habits for children through Happy Meals.
Comments left on the McDonald’s Facebook page after Happy was introduced in a video ranged from “Epic fail” and “This makes me crave a Burger King.” Ouch.
According to KMBZ, the popular fast food restaurant created the character, who has been called a “Happy Meal Ambassador,” in order to introduce their new healthier food options to their Happy Meal menu.
Happy will make an appearance on May 23rd nationwide, and on July 4th, McDonald’s will be adding Go-Gurt to the healthy food options for happy meals.
In a statement, Julie Wenger, who is the senior director of marketing for McDonald’s in the United States, said “At McDonald’s, we’re always looking to bring fun and happiness to families and listening to our customers’ asks to have more variety and wholesome options for kids to enjoy in their Happy Meals.”
It’s too soon to say if kids will have a more positive reaction to Happy than has been seen on social media so far. Businessweek reported that a statement by an Illinois-based McDonald’s said Happy “is about bringing more fun and excitement to kids’ meals, including eating wholesome food choices like low-fat yogurt.”
While Happy is not necessarily new to other countries, this will be its first appearance in the United States.