Two approaches to communicate about inflation and price increases

McDonald’s used to have a $1 Menu. When you felt hungry, you could roll up to the Golden Arches and get a small sandwich or a big drink for a buck.

Those days are long gone.

McDonald’s is far from the only business struggling with the skyrocketing costs of, well, everything. From food to labor to rent and utilities, the basic laws of economics are forcing prices upward.

But customers are growing weary of seeing prices rise on once affordable indulgences. And they’re taking to social media to share their displeasure, such as one infamous $18 Big Mac deal, available at a rest stop in a pricy part of Connecticut.

All of this has led some consumer-facing organizations to release unusually detailed statements explaining cost hikes aimed at empathizing with the pain of cash-strapped consumers.

McDonald’s and Chipotle have been navigating these waters with public communications to customers and shareholders.

McDonald’s: Clap back