Chicago, Illinois — McDonald’s recent reintroduction of its Snack Wraps appears to be making a significant impact, attracting attention from both longtime fans and new customers alike. After nearly a decade off the menu, the popular item returned this month and has already shown a remarkable uptick in customer traffic, signaling its warm welcome back into the fast-food chain’s offerings.

Preliminary reports indicate that from July 10 to July 12, the initial days of its relaunch, McDonald’s locations experienced a boost in foot traffic, with daily visits increasing by double digits compared to averages recorded earlier in the year. Financial analysts have projected a 7% rise in same-store sales for the third quarter, reflecting the positive reception of the returning item. Some locations even faced brief shortages of lettuce, underscoring the high demand for the wrap.

According to McDonald’s U.S., the enthusiasm for the Snack Wrap has been overwhelming. “After nine years without it, our fans really showed up to celebrate its return. The response has exceeded our expectations, from packed dining areas to vibrant conversations on social media,” an official statement noted regarding the temporary lettuce shortage.

The reintroduction of the Snack Wrap is particularly promising for McDonald’s, which has grappled with sluggish sales recently. The first quarter of the year saw its steepest decline in same-store sales since the early pandemic. While promotions like meal deals and themed collaborations have been effective at drawing in customers, they often provide only a temporary lift to overall sales.

The Snack Wrap’s initial success extends beyond mere popularity. An analysis from Numerator, a market research company, revealed that 90% of surveyed customers expressed intent to purchase the item again in the future. This suggests the enduring appeal of the wrap, which features the chain’s new McCrispy Strips, introduced nationwide in May. Each Snack Wrap is priced at $2.99 and is available in two flavors: spicy and ranch.

Interestingly, the survey also highlighted consumer loyalty. The average respondent reported visiting McDonald’s 56 times in the year so far, compared to 25 visits from a typical customer. This loyalty may serve the chain well as it seeks to capitalize on the resurgence of the Snack Wrap.

As the fast-food giant prepares to disclose its earnings for the second quarter on August 6, the impact of the Snack Wrap’s comeback will be more clear, though it won’t be reflected in the upcoming financial report due to the timing of its national rollout.

With the excitement surrounding the Snack Wrap, McDonald’s seems to have found a way to reconnect with its customer base and potentially steer away from recent sales challenges. Industry analysts and fans alike will be closely monitoring how this reintroduction plays out in the long term.