Warren Buffett Lets The Stock Market Decide His McDonald's Breakfast Order – When It's Up, He Spends $3.17 On A Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit

Billionaire Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old investment genius famous for his wise financial decisions at Berkshire Hathaway, is equally renowned for his love of Coca-Cola and McDonald’s. But the “Oracle of Omaha” once revealed a quirky habit that combines his passion for fast food with his market savvy: he lets the stock market choose his daily McDonald’s breakfast order.

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In the 2017 HBO documentary “Becoming Warren Buffett,” the billionaire investor shared his unique morning routine. “I tell my wife, as I shave in the morning, I say, ‘Either $2.61, $2.95 or $3.17.’ And she puts that amount in the little cup by me here [in the car],” Buffett explained. This seemingly arbitrary set of numbers actually corresponds to his three favorite McDonald’s breakfast options.

The stock market’s performance directly influences Buffett’s breakfast choices. He elaborated, “When I’m not feeling quite so prosperous, I might go with the $2.61, which is two sausage patties, and then I put them together and pour myself a Coke. $3.17 is a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit, but the market’s down this morning, so I’ll pass up the $3.17 and go with the $2.95.”

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Some may argue that was in 2017, and prices have surely increased. However, Buffett might be splurging on his priciest breakfast favorite even when the market dips nowadays. 

According to a May post from McDonald's official Facebook, the Bacon, Egg, and cheese Biscuit costs $2.50. Some locations are running discounts and specials to "win" back customers. In July 2024, BBC reported that McDonald's was rethinking its pricing approach after a 1% drop in same-store sales from April to June, the first decline since the pandemic.

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Of course, price shouldn't matter to the 6th richest man in the world. But here’s the real kicker – if Buffett is in his hometown of Omaha, his meal of choice is free! 

In a 2007 CNBC interview with Becky Quick, Buffett revealed he possesses a McDonald’s “Gold Card” that allows him to eat for free at any McDonald’s in Omaha for life. “Here we have my McDonald’s card which lets me eat free at any McDonald’s in Omaha for the rest of my life,” Buffett said, showing off his card. He jokingly added, “So that’s why the Buffett family has Christmas dinner at McDonald’s. It explains a lot of things.”

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Buffett’s friend and fellow billionaire Bill Gates also has a similar card, but with a significant upgrade. Buffett explained, “There’s just a few of them. Bill Gates has one. His is good throughout the world, I guess. Mine is only good in Omaha, but I never leave Omaha so mine is just as good as his.”

This blend of frugality, market awareness, and fast-food indulgence perfectly encapsulates Warren Buffett’s unique approach to life and business. Whether making billion-dollar investment decisions or choosing his breakfast, Buffett always seems to have a method to his madness.

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