Carl's Jr: CEO Speaks up Regarding McDonald's Angus Burger

After more than a month after the release of McDonald’s Angus Third Pounder burgers, CKE restaurants chief executive CEO Andy Puzder was definitely not shy about expressing his opinion about his rival’s new menu items. McDonald’s new burger is most notably comparable to Carl’s Jr. series of 6 Dollar Burgers and Hardee’s series of Thickburgers. He is quoted saying, “This McAngus is a copycat version tht is inferior, and for which they charge more money for.”

The folks over at The Register caught Puzder for a few minutes during a phone interview and got the following breakdown about what’s going on between the two burger giants:

– McDonald’s Angus pattie is 24 percent smaller than a Carl’s Jr. Six Dollar Angus burger. “Their (burger) is about one-third of pound. Ours is about half-pound,” he said.  While both sell for the same price, $3.99, Puzder insists a Carl’s Jr. Angus burger is less expensive, because you get a “bigger, better burger” for the same cost.

– Their burger is a conglomerate of Angus (mix of Red and Black Angus meat.) Ours is 100% Angus beef.  “It’s not as good a quality of meat.”

– They fry on the grill. We grill on an open flame.

“If you want a smaller burger with lower quality meat, buy their burger. If you want a larger burger, with better quality meat, buy ours, ” Puzder said.

Those are definitely fighting words! In the coming weeks, it looks as if CKE and their team of executives will attempt to push an idea that their burgers are superior, not allowing McDonald’s to dabble in their big burger territory. Considering McDonald’s homebase proximity to Chicago, a CKE team will be taking to the streets and is planned to hand out free Carl’s Jr. Angus burgers from a mobile food truck. Let the war begin!