McDonald's test-markets Third Pounder

ANAHEIM, Calif., March 7 (UPI) -- McDonald's Corp. has begun test-marketing thick, higher-quality hamburgers as part of a strategy to appeal to more upscale U.S. customers.

The Angus Third Pounder, currently available in Southern California, comes in three versions on a denser bun than McDonald's regular hamburgers, the fast-food chain said.

At $3.99, it is also the most expensive sandwich on the menu.

The new burger pushes the boundary separating fast-food chains from "fast-casual" operations like Fuddruckers Inc. or Steak 'n Shake Co., The Chicago Tribune reported.

The Angus Third Pounder ranges from 720 calories to 860 calories, depending on the version, McDonald's said. By comparison, a McDonald's double Quarter Pounder contains 740 calories and its Big Mac sandwich contains 540 calories.

Food consultant Ron Paul, president of Chicago's Technomics Inc., told the Tribune he expected McDonald's will quickly expand the offering nationwide.

"They are now merchandising premium salads, premium chicken sandwiches, premium coffee, so why not a premium burger?" he said. "Instead of Johnny Rockets, people have another option for a better burger."