McDonald's cancels free smoothie samples

OAK BROOK, Ill., July 17 (UPI) -- McDonald's Corp. announced it was canceling a free-sample promotion for its new fruit smoothies because it feared some U.S. restaurants would run out.

The Oakbrook, Ill., fast-food giant said in a written statement that its McCafe Real Fruit Smoothies had already proven to be a big hit, which could result in a run on them if the planned sample giveaway went ahead as scheduled next week.

"Due to the overwhelming popularity and to ensure continued supply to meet our customers' needs, we will not be executing the national in-restaurant sampling event of McCafe Real Fruit Smoothies on July 22-24," the statement said.

The Chicago Tribune said the company was working with its suppliers and franchise owners on a possible rescheduling of the promotion.