McDonald’s U.S. same-store sales matched their highest rate since late 2023 in the second quarter, the company said on Wednesday, as the Minecraft Movie Meal promotion got the period off to a strong start.
Same-store sales at the fast-food giant rose 2.5% in the quarter ended June 30, driven by “positive check growth,” the company said.
The Minecraft Movie promotion—the biggest global promotion in McDonald’s history—also drove sales internationally. Global same-store sales rose 3.8% and increased in each of the chain’s biggest markets.
System sales at McDonald’s increased 6% in the quarter, driven by a combination of same-store sales and new unit growth.
Revenues in the quarter rose 5% to $6.8 billion. Net income increased 11% to $2.3 billion, or $3.14 per share. Both numbers beat Wall Street expectations according to the website Earnings Whispers.
The Minecraft Movie promotion featured both a Happy Meal and a second meal focused on adults who were fans of the game growing up.
The adult meal was anchored by either a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac and also included one of six collectibles. It started in late March and carried over into April before those collectibles ran out.
Data from the foot traffic tracking firm Placer.ai indicated that the promotion helped drive traffic to the chain’s restaurants.
McDonald’s sales have been sluggish over the past year, driven largely by the economic environment and consumer frustration over prices. The company has been using a combination of value offers, notably the McValue Menu, and marketing to get customers in the door.
In addition to the Minecraft Movie promotion, McDonald’s also introduced its McCrispy Strips, its chicken tender competitor, during the period.
The company’s digital efforts have also been crucial. McDonald’s has generated $33 billion in sales to members of its MyMcDonald’s Rewards loyalty program in its top 60 markets over the past 12 months, including $9 billion last quarter.
“Our technology investments and ability to scale digital solutions at speed will continue to elevate the McDonald’s experience for customers, crew and our global system,” CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a statement.
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