June 20/Chicago/UPI -- McDonald's plans to offer its new pricier Angus burger throughout the U.S. in August, despite the sluggish economy, a company report reveals.

The one-third pound burger is made of a higher grade of beef than McDonald's other burgers and has been tested in markets in Southern California, Illinois, New York and Ohio. The Angus burger is the fast-food chain's most expensive U.S. sandwich, selling for about $4.

The Angus burger is expected to debut nationwide in August and be part of McDonald's annual "Monopoly" promotion in October, said an internal company report obtained by the Chicago Tribune.

McDonald's, based in Oak Brook, Ill., declined to comment for a story published in the Tribune.

While the U.S. economy remains weak, new food products tend to generate customer traffic, restaurant industry analysts told the Tribune. It is not publicly known whether the Angus will have a permanent place on the fast-food chain's menu.

Crain's Chicago Business reported the Chicago area's 500 franchises will begin serving the new burgers July 2.

From the June 22, 2009, Prepared Foods E-dition