McMullet: the mullet-inspired burger arrives at McDonald’s in New Zealand

In New Zealand, McDonald’s has transformed a simple cheeseburger into a quirky tribute to the mullet haircut. Born on TikTok, this creation has already won over Generation Z thanks to its unexpected hair detail.

The McMullet: a cheeseburger with a long, cheesy neck

On paper, the McMullet is a classic cheeseburger. It features bread, ground steak, pickles, ketchup and mustard. But the difference lies at the back of the sandwich.

A second slice of cheese is tucked behind the bun. It sticks out like a long neck. This detail is a direct reference to the slogan “business in the front, party in the back”, used to describe the mullet cut.

Long mocked, this hairstyle is making a strong comeback among the under-30s. Sportsmen, women and content creators are now embracing it with pride. The stage was thus set for a tribute burger to conquer Gen Z.

“Business in the front, party in the back

From viral hack to official product

Before it hit the shelves, the McMullet lived on social networks. Fans had started ordering a cheeseburger with an extra slice of cheese. They would only place it in the back to photograph this “mule-like” sandwich.

The idea circulated quickly. Video after video followed, and the meme gained momentum. Faced with this success, the brand finally adopted the name McMullet. The hack became a real product, offered in a limited edition.

• Classic cheeseburger bun
• Chopped steak
• Pickles, ketchup and mustard
• A slice of standard cheese
• A second slice protruding from the rear

A dedicated event in Auckland on April 18, 2026

McDonald’s New Zealand took the concept a step further with an original marketing activation. On April 18, 2026, the Penrose restaurant in Auckland hosted a special event. Anyone arriving with a real mullet left with a free McMullet.

Barbers were on hand for the more adventurous. They offered to transform classic cuts into mullets on the spot. As a bonus, participants received personalized T-shirts and combs as souvenirs.

This operation enabled the brand to create a direct link with its target audience. Self-mockery and meme culture served as a bridge between fast food and Generation Z. The result: a viral campaign that went beyond New Zealand’s borders.

How to recreate the McMullet at home

For those who don’t live in New Zealand, there’s still the DIY version. Simply order a cheeseburger with an extra slice of cheese. Then make it protrude from the back of the bun to recreate the mullet effect.

At home, the same trick works with a homemade burger. Slide a slice of cheddar into the long neck, take the photo, then serve immediately. The visual effect is as entertaining as it is intriguing.

When TikTok culture inspires fast food

This McDonald’s initiative illustrates a strong trend. Brands now listen to online communities before creating their products. A simple hack then becomes an official offer, validated by consumers themselves.

The mullet, once a fashion statement, now embodies an assertive style. By appropriating this symbol, the brand shows that it understands the codes of its young clientele. The McMullet isn’t just a burger: it’s a knowing wink.

This strategy blends humor, nostalgia and community involvement. It reminds us that food can also tell a story. And sometimes, that story begins with a protruding slice of cheese.

• McDonald's