When talking on the McDonald’s Affect Summit, President Donald Trump urged the corporate to place extra tartar sauce on the Filet-O-Fish.
McDonald’s has kicked off 2026 with an bold shake-up plan to herald nostalgia, expertise and enhance buyer loyalty whereas adapting to altering shopper habits.
In line with Mashed, the important thing adjustments within the plan embody new restaurant openings, menu updates, pricing reforms and expanded digital instruments.
Transferring ahead, the outlet reported McDonald’s plans to open greater than 8,000 new eating places globally by the tip of 2026, which is an element of a bigger objective to achieve a minimum of 50,000 places by 2027.
Development may even give attention to high-traffic and rising markets, whereas current places proceed to be upgraded to fulfill new operational requirements.
PIZZA USED TO BE CHEAP, FILLING AND EVERYWHERE — NOW AMERICANS ARE WALKING AWAY FROM IT
An exterior view of a McDonald’s quick meals restaurant on Might 24, 2024. (Paul Weaver/SOPA Pictures/LightRocket / Getty Pictures)
To enhance effectivity, the chain will likely be revamping about 27,000 drive-thru places, with extra websites altering to multi-lane codecs to chop wait occasions and pace up larger order volumes.
Beginning in 2026, franchisees may even face extra standardized pricing pointers.
Whereas meals costs will nonetheless range by area, particular person operators could have much less leeway to make changes.
CRACKER BARREL CAVES TO CUSTOMER PRESSURE AS IT BRINGS BACK MENU FAVORITES NATIONWIDE

The ‘McValue’ menu debuted Jan. 7. (McDonald’s)
Pricing selections will likely be knowledgeable by location information, third-party instruments and consultants, to ship extra constant worth throughout all markets.
In any other case, the McDonald’s menu will see new drink choices examined by its CosMc’s idea.
It will roll out to greater than 500 places, probably together with specialty chilly brews, slushies and flavored drinks.
The corporate can be increasing its hen lineup with new wraps and upgraded sandwiches.
Burger high quality can be getting consideration, with the Higher Burger Initiative focusing on improved preparation methods, brisker components and tighter food-handling requirements.
FAST-FOOD RESTAURANTS USING NEW TECHNOLOGY TO RESHAPE HOW CUSTOMERS PLACE ORDERS

McDonald’s is working to enhance meals high quality and supply sooner, extra inexpensive service in 2026. (Getty Pictures / iStock / Getty Pictures)
McDonald’s is accelerating its shift towards card and tap-to-pay techniques, whereas money transactions will likely be rounded up or down as pennies are phased out.
The McDonald’s Rewards program may even be expanded with extra personalised offers, smoother cellular ordering and extra methods to earn factors.
Behind the scenes, AI instruments developed with Google Cloud are anticipated to assist sooner drive-thru ordering and scale back errors which is able to take the stress off crew members.
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FOX Enterprise has reached out to McDonald’s for remark.