McDonald's

Financing

McDonald's franchisees may take their complaints to the FTC

Operators, saying they're being "held hostage" by customer survey standards and new ownership requirements, have hired an attorney and may influence franchise regulations. The company says it just wants to run good restaurants.

Operations

Which restaurant brand really invented the drive-thru? Here are some clues.

Restaurant Rewind: It's a mystery with no fewer than five claimants to the title of innovator.

The fast-food burger chain will sell doughnuts at 160 restaurants in Louisville and Lexington and surrounding areas starting March 21. They will also be available through all channels.

Saying that, “our business model is under attack,” Chris Kempczinski urged franchises to push back against efforts at the state and federal level to regulate franchises and fast-food businesses.

The fast-food burger chain’s latest Famous Orders meal is for two, targeted at couples on date nights or friends hanging out with one another.

The Bottom Line: High food costs and more discounts led to profit declines at the fast-food chain’s restaurants. Now imagine what would have happened if its sales weren’t thriving.

Operators say their profits are down, despite strong sales, due to soaring food costs and discounts on the mobile app. That, plus tough new standards and more frequent inspections, are contributing to an environment some call “toxic.”

The burger giant expects thinner margins this year and it is spending up to $150 million to support franchisees in Europe hit by higher costs.

The company’s same-store sales rose 10.3% in the U.S. behind its marketing promotions and increased customer counts.

And the burger giant is planning to step up its development, saying it has a “right” to do so after generating strong sales growth since the pandemic.

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