Starting Monday, McDonald’s is welcoming back its iconic Shamrock Shake, hitting stores nearly a month before St. Patrick’s Day. This year’s return is extra special, as the 85-year-old fast food giant is also reviving a beloved mascot that hasn’t been seen in decades.
The Shamrock Shake, a mint-flavored milkshake made with vanilla soft serve and topped with whipped cream, is a seasonal favorite that marks the lead-up to St. Patrick’s Day. For every Shamrock Shake purchased from February 10 through March 23, McDonald’s will donate 25 cents to Ronald McDonald House Charities, a nonprofit supporting families with sick children.
In a move to boost sales and tap into nostalgia, McDonald’s is bringing back Uncle O’Grimacey, a character from the company’s past. Uncle O’Grimacey, the uncle of Grimace, first appeared in a 1975 commercial to promote the Shamrock Shake. Known for his green cob hat and vest, he is said to come from Sham Rock, Ireland.
In recent years, McDonald’s has looked to its history to reconnect with customers through nostalgia. Grimace, the purple, furry character from McDonaldland commercials, has made a strong comeback. In 2023, the character went viral on TikTok after the launch of the purple Grimace Shake. Additionally, Grimace made headlines last year when he threw the ceremonial first pitch at a New York Mets game during their playoff run.
The Shamrock Shake itself has been a staple since its creation in 1967 by Hal Rosen, a Connecticut McDonald’s franchisee.
By 1970, it was available at McDonald’s locations nationwide. In 1974, sales of the Shamrock Shake contributed to the construction of the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia, providing a place for families to stay while their children received hospital care.
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