Restaurant traffic rebounds post Cyclospora

August 26, 2026

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

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…

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

by Valerie Gritton

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

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%.

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.

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…

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

by Valerie Gritton

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…

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…

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

by Valerie Gritton

A Cyclospora outbreak has restaurant leaders on alert.

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

by Valerie Gritton

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

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.

Evolution of the LTO: How TikTok is driving menu innovation

by Valerie Gritton

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

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…

McDonald's unveils 'Next'-gen plans for growth, productivity as competition increases

June 2, 2026

McDonald's is launching a new strategic initiative dubbed McDonald's > Next to drive its next phase of growth and counter a changing competitive landscape…

How McDonald’s 'three-for-three' strategy drove Q1 gains

by Amy Sorter — Writer and Editor, Connect Media

May 8, 2026

McDonald's earnings call discussed how the company's three-for-three concept helped drive numbers in Q1 2026.

McDonald's to phase out self-serve soda fountains

May 5, 2026

McDonald's plans to remove self-serve beverage stations from its U.S. dining rooms by 2032, signaling the end of a long-standing fast-food tradition, according…

McDonald's to release 'Stranger Things' Happy Meal

April 30, 2026

McDonald's is set to release a "Stranger Things: Tales From '85" Happy Meal on May 5 in the U.S., according to a press release.

McDonald’s highlights high-protein menu options to meet customer demand

April 29, 2026

Chicago-based McDonald's is highlighting its high-protein menu selections as a majority of its customers seek balanced meal options, according to a press…

McDonald's adds under $3 menu, $4 breakfast meal starting April 21

April 2, 2026

McDonald's will expand its McValue menu starting April 21, adding a tier of items priced under $3 and a new breakfast meal deal at participating U.S.

Jacksonville McDonald's distribution center sells for $66.9M

April 1, 2026

VanTrust Real Estate has sold a recently completed Anderson-DuBose warehouse in Jacksonville to an affiliate of US Realty Advisors for $66.9 million.