“McArby’s”: McDonald’s quietly adds curly fries to the U.S. menu—but only at one restaurant

McDonald’s has recently stirred a whirlwind of excitement and subsequent disappointment across the United States with the quiet introduction of its long-awaited “Twister Fries,” or curly fries, to the U.S. menu. This highly anticipated menu item, a staple in many international McDonald’s markets, has finally made its debut on American soil, albeit under very restrictive conditions that have ignited a fervent social media buzz among fast food enthusiasts and critics alike.

The culinary revelation came on June 27, 2025, when the popular food-tracking Instagram account @snackolator reported the arrival of these coveted curly fries. However, the initial thrill quickly dissipated upon learning that the “Twister Fries” are exclusively available at McDonald’s international restaurant in Chicago, located at 1035 W. Randolph. Further dampening the enthusiasm, the offering is reportedly a temporary feature, slated to remain on the menu for only six weeks as part of a rotating selection of global menu items.

This limited and geographically confined launch has sparked considerable dismay among American consumers, many of whom have long clamored for the inclusion of curly fries on the nationwide McDonald’s menu. Reports from abroad confirm that nations across Europe and Asia have been enjoying McDonald’s curly fries for years, prompting frustrated comments from U.S. residents on social media platforms who have encountered these treats during international travels. This disparity underscores McDonald’s longstanding strategy of offering region-specific menu items, though the exclusion of such a popular item as curly fries from the broad U.S. market has always been a point of contention.

The introduction of curly fries, even in a limited capacity, has inevitably drawn comparisons to other prominent fast food chains renowned for their own versions of the spiraled potato delight. Competitors such as Arby’s and Jack in the Box have long cemented their reputation for signature curly fries, leading to online accusations that McDonald’s is attempting to appropriate a beloved concept. The sarcastic moniker “McArby’s” has surfaced in online discourse, highlighting the perceived similarity and the strong association of curly fries with these established brands.

While the online banter playfully suggests a “rip-off,” it’s important to note that Arby’s did not originate the curly fry. Food historians suggest the origins of curly fries date back to the 19th century, predating modern fast food establishments. Nevertheless, the intense public reaction serves as a testament to the deep-seated affection Americans hold for this particular style of potato, making McDonald’s decision to introduce them, even partially, a significant moment in the ongoing fast food trends landscape.

The digital outcry has been immediate and passionate, with a surge of demanding posts across platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Users are vociferously advocating for a widespread release, expressing sentiments ranging from playful exasperation to outright insistence for “Twister Fries” to be made available at all McDonald’s locations nationwide. This vigorous social media buzz demonstrates a clear and undeniable consumer desire that McDonald’s would be hard-pressed to ignore in the long term.

It remains to be seen whether this strategic, limited release is merely a test balloon for McDonald’s to gauge market demand before a potential broader rollout, or if it will remain a unique, ephemeral offering. The sheer volume of consumer response suggests that if McDonald’s intended to generate significant buzz and gauge the public’s appetite for “Twister Fries,” their calculated move has been undeniably successful, setting the stage for future fast food innovations and expansions.