How the Filet-O-Fish Saved McDonald’s on Good Friday
The surprising link between Catholic tradition and fast-food history
How the Filet-O-Fish Won Good Friday
In the early 1960s, McDonald’s franchise owner Lou Groen noticed a recurring problem in his Cincinnati restaurant: sales dropped sharply on Fridays, particularly during Lent. At the time, Catholic dietary rules required abstaining from meat on Fridays, and many customers avoided burgers.
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Groen proposed a solution: a breaded fish sandwich. Meanwhile, McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc developed his own meatless alternative, the “Hula Burger,” made with grilled pineapple and cheese. In 1962, the two sandwiches were tested on a single Friday—reportedly Good Friday, a key day of abstinence for Catholics. The Filet-O-Fish dramatically outsold the Hula Burger, securing its place on the national menu by 1965.
The sandwich became McDonald’s first non-burger menu addition. Today, it remains closely tied to Lent: 25% of annual Filet-O-Fish sales occur during the 40-day season, with some restaurants selling hundreds on Good Friday alone.
Fun Fact: The original sandwich included cheese, but it was later removed to emphasize the fish.
Meatless Fridays: A Tradition Spanning Centuries
The practice of avoiding meat on Fridays, particularly Good Friday, dates to the earliest days of Christianity.
Early roots:
- 1st century: Christians fasted or abstained from meat on Fridays to honor Jesus’ crucifixion, often eating one simple meal after sunset.
- Middle Ages: The Church formalized abstinence, classifying fish as permissible because it was not considered “flesh meat” (caro). Fish also carried biblical symbolism, linked to Jesus’ miracles and post-Resurrection meals.
Modern shifts:
- 1966: After Vatican II reforms, the Catholic Church relaxed rules, requiring abstinence only on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and Fridays during Lent. However, many Catholics still choose fish as a meatless option year-round.
The Filet-O-Fish’s rise coincided with these traditions, offering a convenient fast-food alternative for observant Catholics.
Why Fish? More Than Just a Loophole
Contrary to popular myths, the Church’s allowance of fish was not designed to boost the fishing industry. Theologians viewed fish as a humble food tied to scripture, such as the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Medieval classifications also separated “cold-blooded” fish from land animals, which were associated with feasting and indulgence.
The Filet-O-Fish, while a modern invention, taps into this ancient symbolism. Its success highlights how religious practices can shape—and be shaped by—cultural trends.
