McDonald's is selling limited-edition “adult Happy Meals” as part of the chain’s collaboration with the apparel company Cactus Plant Flea Market. The CPFM meals have started a frenzy online, where TikTokkers are posting unboxings and resellers are cashing in on the exclusive figurines included in every meal. But not everyone is lovin’ it.
Employees on Reddit, TikTok, and other social media platforms have complained that the new Happy Meals have swamped restaurants with huge orders.
One McDonald’s worker said that the new Happy Meals were “killing” them, adding that they had to stockpile Big Mac meals to “survive the rush.”
“My manager called back 43 medium fries earlier this shift and I was floored,” the Redditor wrote in a subreddit dedicated to McDonald’s employees.
Workers also took to TikTok to complain about the Happy Meal trend. In one popular video, a group of McDonald’s employees films the long drive-thru line and order list while setting the video to audio of someone screaming. Another worker wrote on TikTok that she was “begging” customers not to order the Happy Meals.
@michyswrld These adult happy meals be having everyone come through #mcdonalds #work #foryou #fyp ♬ original sound - BrentTV
"We had a feeling the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box would be big ... and leading up to the launch, we prepped crew with training and resources in anticipation of higher traffic in restaurants," a McDonald's spokesperson wrote in a statement to Cheapism. "After just a few days, the excitement we're seeing from fans has been nothing short of incredible. Our restaurant crew members are the best in the business, and we appreciate everything they’re doing to serve customers during this limited-time promotion."
Part of the buzz surrounding the Happy Meals has to do with CPFM's influence as a trendy apparel company headed by Cynthia Lu, who has worked with stars like Pharrell Williams. CPFM partnered with McDonald's to redesign the Happy Meal box, and each meal comes with one of four figurines: Grimace, Hamburglar, Cactus Buddy, and Birdie.
@pimplifewlizzyyy as a worker pls dont #mcdonalds #pleasebro #illpayu5 #please ♬ A Gangster's Wife - Ms. Krazie
"We're taking one of the most nostalgic McDonald's experiences and literally repackaging it in a new way that's hyper-relevant for our adult fans," said Tariq Hassan, McDonald's U.S. chief marketing and customer experience officer in a statement ahead of the collaboration.
McDonald's and CPFM also dropped a limited-edition apparel line and collectible plush set on Oct. 4, and it's already sold out. The adult Happy Meals will be available at select McDonald's restaurants until Oct. 30, while supplies last.
