McDonald's plans massive overhaul with major changes to restaurants and menus
Company will expand AI technology while focusing on value leadership and consistency
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When speaking at the McDonald's Impact Summit, President Donald Trump urged the company to put more tartar sauce on the Filet-O-Fish.
McDonald’s has kicked off 2026 with a shake-up plan to bring in nostalgia, technology and boost customer loyalty while adapting to changing consumer habits while focusing on value leadership and consistency.
According to the company, the key changes in the plan include new restaurant openings, menu updates and expanded digital tools.
Growth will also focus on high-traffic and emerging markets, while existing locations continue to be upgraded to meet new operational standards.
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An exterior view of a McDonald's fast food restaurant on May 24, 2024. (Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket / Getty Images)
To improve efficiency, the chain will be revamping about 27,000 drive-thru locations, with more sites changing to multi-lane formats to cut wait times and speed up bigger order volumes.
New guidelines for franchises have been designed to reinforce accountability for delivering consistent value.
Local differences in pricing are expected, the company said, with third-party advisers able to offer franchisees guidance designed to help account for those factors.
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The 'McValue' menu debuted Jan. 7. (McDonald's)
The franchised model will remain in place, and individual owners will continue to set prices based on their local market conditions and maintain the focus on value leadership and consistency.
Otherwise, the McDonald’s menu will see new drink options tested through its past CosMc’s concept and so, CosMc's-inspired beverages.
The company is also expanding its chicken lineup with new wraps and upgraded sandwiches.
Burger quality is also getting attention, with the Better Burger Initiative focusing on improved preparation techniques, fresher ingredients and tighter food-handling standards.
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McDonald's is working to improve food quality and provide faster, more affordable service in 2026. (Getty Images / iStock)
McDonald’s maintains its card and tap-to-pay systems, while cash transactions will be rounded up or down as pennies are phased out.
Restaurants may ask customers to use exact change or cashless payment options like credit/debit or the App, where they can unlock a variety of national and local deals, the company said.
In countries where similar currency changes have taken place, local businesses have followed similar rounding practices.
The McDonald’s Rewards program will also be expanded with more personalized deals, smoother mobile ordering and additional ways to earn points.
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Behind the scenes, AI tools developed with Google Cloud are expected to support faster drive-thru ordering and reduce errors which will take the pressure off crew members.