A restaurant consultant said that McDonald's Corp.'s attempt to flip the standard promotion by asking franchise owners to offer $1 sodas is a tough sell.

Crain's Chicago Business reported on Wednesday that a McDonald's spokeswoman said the corporation is pushing the concept of $1 sodas at any size, but it is up to the local franchises "to determine if it's something for them."

But normally the restaurants use $1 meals to bring customers in "and you make money on the drink and the fry sales," said restaurant consultant Richard Adams.

He further said, "Drinks are very profitable when they are sold at full price, and (restaurants) are basically giving away their profits at this ($1) price." (With Inputs from Agencies)