Mr Beast Burger: Hype vs Reality in the Creator Economy
When you think of MrBeast, you think of massive YouTube spectacles, viral generosity, and the power of a creator who has built one of the largest audiences in the world. So when MrBeast Burger launched, it felt like more than just fast food it felt like the future of the creator economy. Could a digital creator successfully scale a food brand across North America?
Recently in Edmonton, my friends and I decided to find out.
The Hype and the Wait
We placed our order right at opening time, buzzing with anticipation. But an hour later, when the burgers arrived, they weren’t piping hot, they were lukewarm. And here’s the thing: in food service, timing is everything. A cold first bite can ruin even the best burger.
This was my first sign that the execution might not live up to the hype.
First Bites: Some Wins, Plenty of Misses
We dug in. To be fair, there were a few bright spots. The chicken had some flavor, and the pickles added a nice touch. But from there, the experience started to slide downhill.
The bun? Flimsy and forgettable.
The patty? Dry, not juicy.
The cheese? Way too much overwhelming instead of complementing the other flavors.
Instead of feeling like a balanced burger, it felt like a mismatch of ingredients that didn’t work together.
Ratings Don’t Lie
When we went around the table, most of the ratings landed somewhere between average and below average. One of my friends, a self-proclaimed burger connoisseur, dropped a brutal 3.7 out of 10. And honestly, he wasn’t wrong especially when you compare the experience to the insane hype surrounding this launch.
What About the Fries?
We also gave the fries and a side dish (that we thought was poutine) a shot. Let’s just say they didn’t help the case. The sides felt like an afterthought, dragging the overall experience down even further.
And that’s a big lesson: in food, it’s never just about the main item. The sides, the accompaniments, the details they all contribute to the overall experience.
Key Lessons from the MrBeast Burger Experience
Looking back, our taste test revealed a lot more than whether this particular burger was good or not. It was a window into the challenges of scaling creator-led brands:
Brand Power Isn’t Enough: Hype can bring customers in the door, but the product has to keep them coming back.
Execution Is Everything: Delivery logistics, temperature, and consistency can make or break a food brand.
Simplicity Works: Overcomplicating a burger with too many toppings can backfire. Balance wins.
The Whole Meal Matters: Sides and extras aren’t optional; they shape the customer’s perception.
You Need Culinary Expertise: Creator-led businesses need experienced teams behind them to deliver quality consistently.
Final Thoughts
In the end, my MrBeast Burger experience didn’t live up to the hype. But I don’t see it as a failure. Instead, it highlights the massive potential and the very real risks of creator-led ventures. The creator economy has opened the door for influencers to disrupt industries like food service, but success depends on one thing: execution.
Would I try MrBeast Burger again? Sure, if they tighten up their process. Because the idea is brilliant. But in the food business, taste is king and no amount of hype can cover that up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is MrBeast Burger?
MrBeast Burger is a virtual fast-food chain launched by YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast) in 2020. Operated through ghost kitchens, it offers a menu of burgers, fries, and sandwiches, aiming to deliver a creator-driven dining experience.
Q2. What is a ghost kitchen?
A ghost kitchen is a delivery-only restaurant that operates without a traditional storefront. Orders are prepared in commercial kitchens and delivered through online platforms.
Q3. Why do delivery timing and food temperature matter for online orders?
Food tastes best when it’s fresh and hot. Delays or cold delivery can ruin flavor, texture, and overall experience. Even the best burger can feel disappointing if it arrives late or lukewarm, so timing and temperature are key for happy customers.
Q4. What role does culinary and operational expertise play in launching a food brand?
A great food brand needs skilled chefs and a strong team behind the scenes. Culinary expertise ensures the food tastes good, while operational know-how keeps orders accurate, deliveries on time, and quality consistent across locations.
Q5. How does hype affect customer expectations for creator-branded products?
Hype sets very high expectations. Fans often expect every product to be perfect because of the creator’s name. If the product is just okay, disappointment is bigger. Hype can attract attention, but the product must deliver or it can hurt the brand.
About the Author:
Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.