Filet-O-Fish

The Filet-O-Fish (known as Fish Fillet Burger[1] in Indonesia) is a fish sandwich sold by the international fast food restaurant chain McDonald's.[2] It was created in 1962 by Lou Groen, a McDonald's franchise owner in a predominantly Catholic neighborhood of Monfort Heights in Cincinnati, Ohio,[3][4] in response to declining hamburger sales on Fridays due to the practice of abstaining from meat on that day. While the fish composition of the sandwich has changed throughout the years to cater to taste preferences and address supply limitations, the framework of its ingredients has remained constant; a fried breaded fish fillet, a steamed bun, tartar sauce, and pasteurized American cheese.

History

The sandwich was invented in 1962 by businessman Lou Groen, a McDonald's franchise owner in Cincinnati.[3][4] His store at 5425 West North Bend Road[5] was in a predominantly Catholic neighborhood, which led to falling hamburger sales on Fridays resulting from the practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays (until 1966, Catholics abstained from meat on Fridays year round). The product was named by Cye Landy of Cye Landy Advertising Agency, which was the advertising firm for that particular McDonald's franchise.

The sandwich was the first non-hamburger menu item brought in by Ray Kroc, who purchased McDonald's in 1961.[6] Kroc made a deal with Groen: they would sell two non-meat sandwiches on a Friday, Kroc's Hula Burger (grilled pineapple with cheese on a cold bun) and the Filet-O-Fish, and whichever sold the most would be added to the permanent menu. The Filet-O-Fish "won hands down"[7]

Product description

The fish used for the Filet-O-Fish patty in various markets is as follows:

Half a slice of cheese is used in each Filet-O-Fish sandwich; McDonald's states the reason is to prevent the cheese from overwhelming the taste.[23][24][25][26]

The Double Filet-O-Fish (a Filet-O-Fish with two fish fillet patties instead of one) is available in some regions.[27][28]

Society and culture

The Filet-O-Fish is often referred to as a burger outside the US,[29] particularly in Australia,[30][31] India,[32][33] New Zealand,[34][35] and the UK.[36]

See also

• Fish finger sandwich

External links