McDonald's Spreads Its Mighty Wings to Chicago

NEW YORK -- McDonald's is bringing a test run of its Mighty Wings menu item to Chicago this week after a successful test in Atlanta in 2012, reported the Associated Press. The chicken wings will come in three-, five- and 10-piece servings with prices starting at $3, said Lynne Collier, an analyst with Sterne Agee. Creamy ranch dipping sauce will be the default choice, with no new sauces being introduced.

The Chicago test will take place at approximately 500 restaurants, but there are no current plans to bring Mighty Wings to other cities, said a McDonald's spokeswoman.

Despite the positive reception, McDonald's decision whether to add Mighty Wings as a permanent menu item or possibly on a limited-time basis will depend on the fast food giant's ability to get wings at a reasonable price, said Collier. Chicken prices have increased in the last year, rising 26 percent at wholesale in the Northeast in December compared to one year ago.

Another challenge could come in the way people eat wings. Former McDonald's franchisee Richard Adams stated that menu items generally don't work unless they can be eaten easily inside a car, according to the report.

The test comes as McDonald's faces increased pressure from fast food rivals Burger King and Wendy's, which have undergone image and menu revamps, and chains like Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread.