McDonald’s launches ambitious reset to adapt to changing consumer habits
While speaking at the McDonald’s Impact Summit, president Donald Trump urged the company to put more tartar sauce on its filet-o-fish.
McDonald’s is starting 2026 with an ambitious change plan to bring nostalgia and technology and enhance customer loyalty while adapting to changing consumer habits.
According to Mashad, the main changes in the plan include opening new restaurants, updating the menu, pricing reforms, and expanding digital tools.
Going forward, the outlet reported McDonald’s plans to open more than 8,000 new restaurants globally by the end of 2026, part of a larger goal to reach at least 50,000 locations by 2027.
Growth will also focus on high-traffic and emerging markets, while existing sites continue to be developed to meet new operational standards.
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An exterior view of a McDonald’s fast food restaurant on May 24, 2024. (Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images)
To improve efficiency, the chain will revamp its approximately 27,000 drive-thru locations, with more locations changing to multi-lane formats to reduce wait times and expedite larger order volumes.
Starting in 2026, franchisees will also face more standardized pricing guidelines.
While food prices will still vary by region, individual operators will have less room to make adjustments.
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Pricing decisions will be made based on location data, third party tools and consultants to deliver the most consistent value across all markets.
Otherwise, McDonald’s menu will see new drink options tested through the CosMc concept.
This will be rolled out to over 500 locations, including specialty cold drinks, slushies and flavored drinks.
The company is also expanding its chicken lineup with new wraps and upgraded sandwiches.
Burger quality is also receiving attention, with the Better Burger initiative focusing on improved preparation techniques, fresher ingredients and stricter food handling standards.
Fast food restaurants are using new technology to reshape the way customers place their orders
McDonald’s is working to improve food quality and provide faster and more affordable service in 2026. (Getty Images/iStock/Getty Images)
McDonald’s is accelerating its shift towards card and pay-by-tap systems, while cash transactions will be rounded up or down as pennies are phased out.
McDonald’s Rewards will also be expanded with more personalized offers, more streamlined mobile ordering and additional ways to earn points.
Behind the scenes, AI tools developed using Google Cloud are expected to support ordering faster and reduce errors which will take pressure off crew members.
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FOX Business has reached out to McDonald’s for comment.
2026-01-19 23:07:00
