Full Breakdown
McDonald’s Revives Fried Apple Pie for America’s 250th Anniversary
6/24/2026, 4:23:36 AM
Fried Apple Pie Returns for America’s 250th Anniversary
McDonald’s reintroduced its fried apple pie on June 23, 2026 for $1.99 each as an all-day, limited-time offering at participating restaurants while supplies last. The promotion aligns with the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Historical Roots and Supplier Partnership
The fried apple pie recipe originated with Litton and Jo Cochran, East Tennessee McDonald’s owner-operators who proposed it to Ray Kroc in the 1960s. Bama Companies, founded by Cornelia Alabama Marshall, became McDonald’s supplier in 1968 and has produced the pies ever since.
Production Scale and Global Facilities
Bama operates two Tulsa plants that together output roughly 2.3 million fried pies daily, and it runs additional facilities in Europe and China to meet global demand for McDonald’s hand-pies.
Nationwide Rollout and Promotional Monument
On June 23, a 35-foot fried-pie replica was installed at Joliet Kicks on Route 66. McDonald’s senior brand director Nubia Murray, state senator Meg Loughran Cappel, and Eric Cochran, grandson of the original creator, attended. The structure will stay through July 4.
Official Statements & Responses
Eric Cochran said the fried apple pie is a nostalgic item suited to the 250th-anniversary celebration. Nubia Murray noted the monument marks a moment worth commemorating. Paula Marshall emphasized that the partnership with McDonald’s has driven Bama’s growth and prepared it for the demand surge.
Criticism & Opposition
Hinsdale resident Sue Griswold called the fried version “better fried,” while Lockport resident Ignacio Chavez praised the visible steam from the monument. USA TODAY reporter Mike Snider reported mixed social-media feedback, with many fans enthusiastic and some noting flavor differences from the 1992 version.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
McDonald’s says the pie will be sold while supplies last, yet Delaware Online lists locations through July 4, leaving the exact end date unclear. Taste descriptions vary: Delaware Online calls the crust “bubbly and crunchy,” while USA TODAY notes some fans say the flavor is not identical. Nutritional data differ, with one source listing 220 calories for the fried pie and another noting the baked version contains 230 calories.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We felt a moment deserved a monument, so we built one,” — Nubia Murray, Senior Director of U.S. Brand Communication, McDonald’s
- “There are certain things that just take you back – and the Fried Apple Pie is one of them.” — Eric Cochran, Owner-Operator, McDonald’s
- “The fried pie has definitely created a lot of buzz and a lot of interest,” — Paula Marshall, CEO, Bama Companies
- “It was better fried,” — Sue Griswold, Hinsdale resident
What’s Next
The fried apple pie will remain on menus until supplies run out, and the Joliet monument will be removed after July 4. Bama Companies will keep producing pies for any future limited-time promotions.
