McDonald’s Plans Global Expansion with 8,800 New Stores and Digital Enhancements

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McDonald’s, the global fast-food giant, has unveiled ambitious plans for its fastest-ever global expansion, aiming to open 8,800 new stores and add 100 million members to its loyalty program by 2027. McDonald’s President and CEO, Chris Kempczinski, highlighted the brand’s strength, global footprint, and digital ecosystem as key competitive advantages in a press release.

While anticipating global expansion, Kempczinski emphasized a strategic focus on increasing the company’s presence in growing U.S. population areas. He acknowledged that McDonald’s current U.S. footprint reflects demographic patterns from around 25 years ago, and the company aims to adapt to current population shifts.

With over 40,000 stores worldwide, McDonald’s plans to reduce waiting times for mobile orders in its existing locations. The company is expanding the U.S. pilot of its “Ready on Arrival” initiative, allowing customers to order and pay in advance through the McDonald’s app. The initiative also employs technology to alert the restaurant when customers are three minutes away, facilitating order preparation.

The expansion and service enhancements follow McDonald’s recent announcement of a major menu upgrade, making over 50 changes to its burgers. The changes include more secret special sauce, a transition from a sesame seed bun to a buttery brioche one, and the use of fresher lettuce, cheese, and pickles.

McDonald’s strategic initiatives aim to leverage its global presence, digital capabilities, and responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences in the competitive fast-food market.