Mcdonald's Starts `Monster Mac' Test Market

Today, the world's largest chain of fast food restaurants will begin test marketing the "Monster Mac," a Big Mac with four beef patties instead of two. The tests, which will last for four weeks, will be conducted in 67 restaurants in eastern New York, western New England, and regions around Fresno, Calif. and Chattanooga, Tenn.

The initiative marks an about-face in an industry that has been increasingly offering lower-fat, lower-cholesterol menu items while shying away from red meat.

The idea is to watch for a trend toward higher sales of big sandwiches. "It's a test for four weeks really offering customers another hamburger option at a good value," a company spokeswoman said. She said McDonald's was recommending its franchises sell the sandwich for $2.39 individually and for $3.69 as part of an "extra value meal."