McFlurry’s turning 30, but only Canadians can enjoy the two celebratory limited-time special flavors.
The soft-serve ice cream with cookie, candy or sauce mix-ins originated in Canada on June 7, 1995. And only people living there can enjoy the aptly named Birthday Cake McFlurry or the Cheesecake McFlurry, according to the company’s press release.
Ron McLellan, a McDonald’s franchisee, from Bathurst, New Brunswick invented the shake-like treats that eventually spread to Golden Arches’ menus in 99 countries. “The McFlurry is more than a dessert,” McLellan said. “It’s a testament to the Canadian spirit of innovation and a source of national pride.”
The celebratory campaign goes beyond emphasizing Canada’s role in the dessert’s creation by making the two specialty flavors exclusive to the country. An artistic aspect goes hyperlocal to mark the milestone.
McDonald’s Canada’s “An East Coast Original” campaign hones in on the specific area of McLellan’s franchise. Seven artists from the East Coast will create commissioned, McFlurry-inspired, original pieces in the medium in which they are experts.
Those media include painting, wood sculpture, rug hooking, stained glass mosaic, cynography, quilting and driftwood painting. Each creation will highlight local originality and the culture of Atlantic Canada.
If the McFlurry’s Canadian origin was news to you, here’re a few more possibly unknown facts.
- It’s named McFlurry because catching a snow flurry on your tongue is a fun, mood-lifting experience
- Oreo was the first McFlurry flavor made
- McLellan launched the product with six flavors: Oreo, Smarties, Coffee Crisp, Crispy Crunch, SKOR and Fudgee-O
- Caramel with two shots of Oreo is McLellan’s favorite flavor
- Matcha McFlurries are available in Japan, and there’s Durian Crunch in Singapore.
