McDonald’s has announced an ambitious $8.5 billion plan to revamp its restaurants, enhance employee training, and introduce new menu options in an effort to boost customer visits. The fast-food giant will execute this strategy, called “Next,” by 2036, with $5 billion allocated for the next three-and-a-half years to support franchise owners, offer rent relief, and fund restaurant improvements. This initiative aims to make McDonald’s a top choice for customers amid increased competition from other fast-food chains.
The company’s CEO, Chris Kempczinski, stated that the “Next” strategy is designed to strengthen restaurant operations and improve their appeal. McDonald’s has encountered challenges, including its slowest quarterly growth since 2025, attributed to excessive promotions, weak customer service, and a less successful World Cup promotion than anticipated. Meanwhile, rising food prices have discouraged some diners from eating out, contributing to a 20% decline in McDonald’s shares this year, as reported by CNN.
Significant investment will focus on remodeling McDonald’s restaurants, updating them with larger dining areas, expanded play zones, and improved lighting. Additionally, kitchen redesigns will incorporate AI tools to boost efficiency, potentially increasing cash flow by $100,000 per restaurant. On the menu front, McDonald’s is exploring more protein-rich offerings, targeting around 60 million Americans seeking higher protein content and approximately 30 million GLP-1 users. New items in testing include burger and chicken bowls and egg bites, alongside expanded grilled chicken options.
Amid competitive pressures from chicken-centric fast-food brands, McDonald’s is also reconsidering its value menu. Discussions with franchisees are underway about a new menu that could replace the current “$3 and Under” options, simplifying promotions to streamline operations. The company is also investing in its coffee business, with plans to install new espresso machines and offer alternative milk options to enhance its position against growing beverage chains.
A major component of the “Next” strategy is an employee retraining program, set to launch on October 5, which will involve around 2 million McDonald’s employees globally. This initiative aims to improve service quality and operational efficiency across restaurants. As customer preferences evolve, McDonald’s recognizes the importance of consistent execution, as noted by Skye Anderson, president of McDonald’s USA, during an investor day event covered by CNN.