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.

McDonald’s launches 'First Job Confessional' campaign to highlight workplace skills

March 5, 2026

McDonald's has launched its "First Job Confessional" campaign, a reality TV-inspired initiative debuting March 6 to coincide with National Employee…

McDonald's sales rise as value meals take precedence

February 13, 2026

McDonald's has doubled-down on its value meals and Americans are returning to the brand, according to a press release.

McDonald's caviar kits sell out in record time

February 11, 2026

McDonald's latest ploy to get people to try McNuggets had a high-brow offer. The Chicago-based burger brand released McNugget Caviar featuring Kits Baerii…

McDonald's partners with Forter to advance digital fraud protection

January 28, 2026

McDonald's has partnered with Forter, a platform for digital commerce, to deliver fraud prevention and identity solutions across the QSR leader's digital…

McDonald's releases limited-time sauce

January 23, 2026

McDonald's is releasing Hot Honey Sauce for a limited time beginning Jan. 27, according to a press release.

Federal lawsuit claims McDonald's McRib has no pork rib meat

January 5, 2026

A federal class action lawsuit has been filed against McDonald's claiming the brand's popular McRib sandwich doesn't contain actual pork rib meat, according to…