STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — If you fondly recall the excitement of opening a McDonald’s Happy Meal box to find a toy surprise inside, the fast-food chain has good news for you: Happy Meals are back for adults — with a nostalgic ‘80s twist.
Last year, McDonald’s gave customers a chance to re-live that excitement as adults with the Cactus Plant Flea Market Box. Now, it is introducing the Kerwin Frost Box – billed as a one-of-a-kind global collaboration with Harlem artist and lifelong McDonald’s fan, Kerwin Frost. It launched in the United States on Monday and will continue while supplies last.
The Kerwin Frost Box includes the choice of 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac, fries, a soft drink and a special McNugget Buddy collectible, designed in partnership with Frost, most well-known for his work within fashion and music.
The McNugget Buddies were first introduced in 1988 as part of a limited-time Happy Meal featuring 10 different McNugget Buddy collectibles. They’re best known for their wacky adventures and personalities, wild imaginations and interchangeable outfits.
Frost said he found his McNugget Buddy collection to be a source of creative inspiration while growing up in NYC. So, it was only right for McDonald’s to bring back the Buddies, and through them, introduce fans to “Frost Way” – where everyone is welcome to be exactly who they are.
“With last year’s Cactus Plant Flea Market Box, we unlocked the childlike joy of opening a Happy Meal box for fans of all ages,” said Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s USA chief marketing and customer experience officer. “Fans told us they wanted to celebrate that quintessential childhood experience again. So, we’re excited to team up with Kerwin on this next take, as he brings his own childhood McDonald’s memories to life through reimagined McDonald’s characters, immersing our fans in the world of Frost Way.”
Complete with mix-and-match outfits, the Buddies’ designs are inspired by Kerwin’s childhood experiences and belief that everyone should feel free to express themselves.
“I’ve loved McDonald’s since I was a kid,’’ said Frost. “I even had my own Ronald McDonald doll that I brought to picture day at school, and it was my dream to collect all the McNugget Buddies. Now, coming up with my own special set of Buddies – each one representing different aspects of self-expression – it’s unreal, a dream come true.”
