Adult Happy Meals, and the McNugget Buddies, are coming back to participating Tennessee stores

Joyce Orlando, USA TODAY NETWORK
·4 min read

McDonald's is throwing it back with a bit more nostalgia before the end of the year by bringing back some Buddies with a bit of an artistic twist.

The latest adult Happy Meal, the Kerwin Frost Box, brings back the nostalgic McNugget Buddies and showcases artist Kerwin Frost's take on the toys that first debuted in the late 80s. The collaboration between Frost and McDonald's might seem a bit different, but Frost has been lifelong McDonald’s fan.

“I’ve loved McDonald’s since I was a kid. I even had my own Ronald McDonald doll that I brought to picture day at school, and it was my dream to collect all the McNugget Buddies,” Frost said in a release from the fast food giant.

The Kerwin Frost Box will soon be available in McDonald's restaurants across the U.S. Here's how you can get your hands on yours.

The Kerwin Frost Box is a one-of-a-kind global collaboration with artist Kerwin Frost. It will launch in the U.S. and other select markets around the world starting Dec. 11, 2023.
The Kerwin Frost Box is a one-of-a-kind global collaboration with artist Kerwin Frost. It will launch in the U.S. and other select markets around the world starting Dec. 11, 2023.

When is McDonald's adult Happy Meal available?

The Kerwin Frost Box will be available at participating locations in Tennessee and across the U.S. starting Dec. 11.

Kerwin Frost's inspiration brings about collaboration with McDonald's

Frost, a Harlem-born entertainer, drew inspiration from the McNugget Buddies, so partnering up with McDonald's to bring back the iconic character toys 25 years later seemed like a no-brainer, read the press release from the corporation.

“Now, coming up with my own special set of Buddies – each one representing different aspects of self-expression – it's unreal, a dream come true. McDonald’s has been a great partner from day one, and they’ve truly allowed me to create without limits. I hope the Kerwin Frost Box will serve as a reminder for people to hone their creativity and not be afraid to show the world who they really are,” Frost said in the release.

What is included in the Kerwin Frost Box?

The Kerwin Frost Box includes the choice of 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac, fries, a soft drink and a special McNugget Buddy collectible.

Pictured are the 6 new, iconic McNugget Buddies in McDonald's Adult Happy Meal created by Kerwin Frost for 2023. They are (from left to right, top to bottom) Darla, BRRRICK, Kerwin Frost, Uptown Moe, Waffutu and Don Bernice
Pictured are the 6 new, iconic McNugget Buddies in McDonald's Adult Happy Meal created by Kerwin Frost for 2023. They are (from left to right, top to bottom) Darla, BRRRICK, Kerwin Frost, Uptown Moe, Waffutu and Don Bernice

Who are the McNugget Buddies?

Originally debuted in 1988 as a collection of 10 McNuggets in different outfits that people could collect. The characters were also used in multiple commercials for McDonald's in the late 80s and early 90s.

“With last year’s Cactus Plant Flea Market Box, we unlocked the childlike joy of opening a Happy Meal box for fans of all ages,” said Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s USA Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. “Fans told us they wanted to celebrate that quintessential childhood experience again. So, we’re excited to team up with Kerwin on this next take, as he brings his own childhood McDonald’s memories to life through reimagined McDonald’s characters, immersing our fans in the world of Frost Way.”

The reimagining of the Buddies includes one of Frost. Here are the Buddies McDonald's enthusiasts can collect.

  • Kerwin Frost –The Mayor of Frost Way is a true champion of the Buddies and encourages them to be themselves. In his free time, catch him adding art to his collection or fixing things around the neighborhood.

  • Don Bernice– The Wise Stylist, an experienced fashion designer who creates all the outfits for the Buddies in Frost Way, while also offering stern advice (that’s always nice!). After all, she is “don” – the very best.

  • Uptown Moe– The Neighborhood Hero, the no-nonsense, street-smart, supportive guy from around the block in Frost Way everyone knows and loves. He also gives the best motivational speeches on a whim.

  • Waffutu – The Curious Optimist, who grew up in Frost Way and was raised by the whole neighborhood. She spreads positivity wherever she goes and can turn any frown upside down with the wave of a wand and tilt of a crown.

  • BRRRICK – The Cool Guy, the most adventurous Buddy in Frost Way who speaks in puns, loves trying new things and techno music. He’s lowkey nervous, but always cool under pressure.

  • Darla – The Dreamer, a soft-spoken yet peacefully confident singer who moved to Frost Way to pursue her dream of becoming a superstar as the lead singer of “The Frostettos.” When she’s not on stage, she’s running the local McDonald’s in Frost Way – where she’s employee of the month every month.

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McDonald's fashion: Kerwin Frost collection inspired by McNugget Buddies

Not only will there be new McNugget Buddies to collect, but people can also get their hands on some exclusive clothing designs by Frost for his collaboration with McDonald's.

"Fans in select global markets will also be able to express their style with custom McDonald’s x Kerwin Frost merchandise including a variety of items featuring the McNugget Buddy collection, as well as iconic vintage pieces from Kerwin’s own archive. In addition, McDonald’s x Kerwin Frost are releasing a first-of-its-kind new footwear silhouette with the Fry Guy shoes," read the release from McDonald's.

People can find the merchandise at kerwinfrost.com. It is available to customers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Australia beginning Dec. 11, while supplies last.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: McDonald's McNugget Buddies, adult Happy Meal are coming to Tennessee