McDonalds to delay Angus burger roll-out

OAK BROOK, Ill., Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Fans of big burgers may have a beef with McDonald's -- a national roll-out of its new one-third-pound Angus burger has been delayed, an analyst says.

The restaurant chain, based in Oak Brook, Ill., announced early last year it would test market the Angus burger in Southern California, New York and Columbus, Ohio, but Stifel Nicolaus stock analyst Steve West says moves to introduce the product nationwide have been put on hold, The Chicago Tribune reported Saturday.

In a research note, West said McDonald's is pleased with the Angus' test market results, but likely won't introduce it nationally for at least a year due to the poor economy, the newspaper said.

"Management did not think it prudent to try and launch a premium burger at a $4 price point during a time when the U.S. consumer is under so much strain," West wrote.

The Tribune could not immediately reach McDonald's officials for comment.