McDonald's News & Media

Hardee's names Alisa Gmelich president

October 8, 2026

CKE Restaurants Holdings has appointed Alisa Gmelich president of Hardee's, effective immediately. Reporting to CEO Joe Guith, Gmelich will oversee more than…

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McDonald’s sued over AI-powered menu pricing system

October 6, 2026

McDonald's is facing a proposed nationwide class-action lawsuit alleging the fast-food giant violated U.S. antitrust law by using an AI-powered system to…

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McDonald’s bottles pickle juice for Chicago Marathon weekend

October 6, 2026

McDonald's is leaning into marathon season — and athletes' love of pickle juice — with the launch of "Pickle Boost," bottled brine from the chain's signature…

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McDonald's commits $8.5B to restaurant modernization

September 23, 2026

McDonald's has unveiled its McDonald's > NEXT strategy, first announced in June, outlining new growth and productivity targets aimed at increasing customer…

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Restaurant traffic moderates, but QSRs remain above 2026 average

September 14, 2026

Placer.ai data shows restaurant traffic moderated during the week of Aug. 24-30 compared with the first half of 2026, although quick-service restaurants…

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QSR's bet big on beverages

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

Beverages have moved from being a supporting menu category to a traffic-driving battleground, and the past three months show how quick service restaurants are…

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Proposed SNAP changes could impact QSR sales in 9 states

September 4, 2026

An article in Newsweek is reporting that a proposed Republican bill would eliminate the ability of SNAP recipients to use their benefits at participating quick…

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Restaurant traffic rebounds post Cyclospora

August 26, 2026

The newest data from Placer.ai reveals restaurant traffic is recovering from the Cyclospora outbreak.

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McDonald's adds Red Bull to menu with Dragonberry Energizer

August 11, 2026

McDonald's is entering the energy drink market for the first time by teaming up with Red Bull to expand its beverage lineup, starting Aug. 17, according to a…

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The next generation of QSRs part 3: Why operational excellence is the modern competitive advantage

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

As restaurants move beyond competing primarily on value and marketing, operational excellence is emerging as the next major battleground for growth. Major QSR…

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McDonald's Q2 growth driven by 4 D's

August 4, 2026

McDonald's Corporation announced in a news release its Q2 earnings results, driven by a 4% increase in revenue to $7.1 billion. Global systemwide sales rose 5%.

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McDonald's promotes Skye Anderson to president

August 4, 2026

McDonald's Corp. has named Skye Anderson, a 26-year company veteran, as its next president, according to a press release.

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Traffic counts show signs of recovery post Cyclospora

August 3, 2026

Restaurant chains that experienced sharp declines in foot traffic following the recent Cyclospora outbreak are beginning to recover, although some brands…

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The next generation of QSRs Part 2: How AI, personalization are turning loyalty into a growth engine

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

Following Part 1’s look at how rising costs and changing consumer expectations are reshaping value, Part 2 examines how QSR brands are using loyalty data, AI…

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McDonald's kiosk update closes rewards loophole

July 20, 2026

McDonald's customers claim the company has closed a loophole that allowed diners to redeem multiple app deals during a single restaurant visit by placing…

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Taco Bell responds to Cyclospora outbreak, becomes first major chain to pull at-risk ingredients

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

A Cyclospora outbreak has restaurant leaders on alert.

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The next generation of QSR, Part 1: The new economics of value

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

This four-part series explores the forces reshaping the next generation of quick-service restaurants, examining how shifting consumer behaviors, economic…

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North Carolina Senator Chuck Edwards, wife, sell McDonald’s restaurants

July 13, 2026

Republican Sentator Chuck Edwards (NC-11) and his wife, Teresa, have sold their McDonald's franchise restaurants, according to a news release.

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Evolution of the LTO: How TikTok is driving menu innovation

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

Designed to inspire, entertain and spark conversation, TikTok has transformed everyday menu items — and customers — into viral sensations. Welcome to the next…

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McDonald's launches global FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with collectible cups, Squishmallows

June 3, 2026

McDonald's has launched a global marketing campaign for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, introducing limited-time themed meals, collectible keepsakes and…

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