McDonald’s is making a huge bet on its future. The fast-food giant plans to spend $8.5 billion by 2036 to improve restaurants, train employees and change parts of its menu.
The McDonald’s $8.5 billion investment comes as the company faces stronger competition and changing customer habits. About $5 billion of the planned spending is expected to come within the next three and a half years. This will include financial support and rent relief for franchise owners.
The company calls its new strategy “Next.” The goal is simple: bring customers back more often while making restaurants easier to operate.
Why Is McDonald’s Spending So Much?
McDonald’s has been dealing with slower growth and rising competition. The company recently reported its slowest quarterly growth since 2025. It also said that too many promotions, weaker customer service and an unsuccessful World Cup promotion had affected its performance.
At the same time, higher food prices are making people think twice before eating out.
Competition is also becoming tougher. Burger King, for example, reported an 8.5% increase in US same-store sales in the latest quarter mentioned by the company, putting pressure on McDonald’s.
| Area | McDonald’s New Plan | Main Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | Remodel stores | Improve customer experience |
| Employees | Retrain 2 million workers | Better service |
| Kitchens | Add AI tools | Faster and more efficient operations |
| Menu | Add protein-focused choices | Attract changing food habits |
| Coffee | New espresso machines and alternative milk | Improve coffee sales |
Restaurants Are Getting a Major Makeover
A large part of the spending will go toward restaurant remodeling. McDonald’s requires franchise locations to remodel roughly every decade.
The new designs include larger dining areas, bigger play spaces and improved lighting. Kitchens will also receive upgrades, including new AI tools designed to improve speed and efficiency.
McDonald’s expects these kitchen changes could generate around $100,000 in additional cash flow per restaurant through savings.
The company is also looking at ways to make its restaurants easier for employees to run, especially after admitting that too many promotions had created operational problems.
More Protein and More Menu Choices
Another major part of the plan is the menu.
McDonald’s says millions of Americans are looking for more protein, including people using GLP-1 medications. The chain is testing items such as burger and chicken bowls, egg bites and additional grilled chicken options.
The company is also discussing a new value menu with franchisees. This could replace the recently launched “$3 and Under” menu.
Coffee is another focus area. McDonald’s plans to install new espresso machines and offer alternative milk options as it tries to compete more strongly in the growing coffee market.
Employee Training Is Coming Back
Technology has changed how customers order food, but McDonald’s is also putting more attention on its employees.
Starting October 5, the company plans to launch a worldwide retraining program for its 2 million employees. Other major chains are also increasing training as customers become less satisfied with fully self-service experiences.
What This Means for McDonald’s
The McDonald’s $8.5 billion investment is not just about new buildings or menu items. It is a broader attempt to improve the complete restaurant experience, from ordering and food preparation to customer service.
With competition increasing and diners becoming more selective, McDonald’s is betting billions that better restaurants, better-trained workers and more flexible food choices can bring customers back.
