Donald Gorske, the Guinness World Record holder for consuming over 35,000 Big Macs, has declared McDonald’s new Big Arch burger inferior to the classic, stating he “wasn’t really crazy about it.” His review follows a viral taste-test video by McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski that sparked online ridicule and retaliatory videos from rival burger chains.
The fast-food world is buzzing after Donald Gorske, the man who literally wrote the book on Big Mac devotion, gave a thumbs-down to McDonald’s ambitious new burger. His verdict cuts through the marketing hype and lands directly on a simple truth for legions of fans: you can’t improve on a classic.
Gorske isn’t just a casual fan. Since 1972, the 72-year-old Wisconsin man has eaten two Big Macs almost every single day, accumulating over 35,000 of the sandwiches—a feat recognized by Guinness World Records. His daily ritual has made him the ultimate authority on McDonald’s flagship burger. When he speaks, the brand’s most loyal customers listen.
The controversy ignited last month when McDonald’s U.S. CEO Chris Kempczinski posted a promotional video taste-testing the new Big Arch, a limited-time, larger burger featuring two quarter-pound patties. The clip’s defining moment came when the CEO took an extraordinarily small bite, a visual that immediately went viral and drew widespread criticism for seeming disconnected from everyday consumers.
The online mockery didn’t stop with viewers. Competitors seized the moment in a coordinated social media blitz. Chains like Burger King, A&W Canada, Gigglewaters, Terry’s Burger Stand, Smashburger, and Red Robin all posted their own behind-the-scenes burger test videos, turning the CEO’s misstep into a full-blown “burger war” trend AOL reports.
Burger King was notably first to respond, releasing a video featuring its U.S. CEO, Tom Curtis. Online audiences quickly noted a stark difference in tone. Where Kempczinski framed the burger as a “product” to be evaluated, Curtis spoke of his company’s food as something to be enjoyed—a subtle but powerful narrative win for the rival brand.
This entire spectacle unfolded against the backdrop of both major chains launching significant menu updates. McDonald’s pushed the Big Arch as a premium, layered option, while Burger King simultaneously promoted a revamped Whopper with a new bun and toppings. The timing made the CEO’s small-bite video feel like a major strategic own goal.
Into this frenzy stepped the ultimate neutral critic. According to The Guardian, Gorske tried the Big Arch earlier this month after his son brought one home. His assessment was characteristically brief and devastatingly final.
“I wasn’t really crazy about it,” Gorske said, before delivering the knockout punch: “I just think the Big Mac is better.” He confirmed he tried the burger just once and has no plans to revisit it, stating simply, “I tried one that was it, and that is the way it will stay.”
His loyalty extends even to the competition’s flagship. Gorske revealed he also sampled a Burger King Whopper during his taste tests, but it failed to dethrone his lifetime love. For him, the debate is settled. The Big Mac’s iconic combination of two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun remains unbeaten.
This episode reveals more than just one man’s preference. It highlights the immense cultural power of McDonald’s core menu items. The Big Mac is not merely a product; for many, it’s a nostalgic institution. Attempts to supersize or reinvent it risk alienating the very customers who built the brand’s legacy. Gorske’s opinion represents a silent majority of longtime patrons who view menu innovation with skepticism.
The viral cascade also underscores how social media has leveled the playing field in the “burger wars.” A single CEO’s awkward moment can be weaponized by rivals within hours, forcing brands into reactive mode. The collective response from chains like A&W Canada and Red Robin demonstrated a new playbook: rapid, authentic, and human-centric content that contrasts with polished corporate messaging.
For McDonald’s, the path forward likely involves a delicate balance. The Big Arch may have a niche audience, but the lesson is clear: the emotional equity of the Big Mac is untouchable. Any strategy that seems to diminish that icon—even by omission—will be met with intense scrutiny from both fans and record-holding experts.
As for Donald Gorske, he continues his remarkable daily ritual, reportedly on track to hit 36,000 Big Macs by year’s end. His verdict is a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful marketing isn’t a Super Bowl ad or a celebrity partnership; it’s a 72-year-old fan’s unwavering, eyewitness testimony.
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