McDonald’s 2026 Plans: AI, Drive-Thru Upgrades, and Menu Changes
US fast-food giant McDonald’s is starting 2026 with big changes to improve technology, customer experience, and operations. The company is focusing on new restaurants, menu updates, pricing adjustments, and stronger digital tools. By the end of 2026, McDonald’s plans to open over 8,000 new restaurants worldwide, aiming for 50,000 locations globally by 2027.
Drive-Thru Upgrades and Menu Updates
McDonald’s is revamping about 27,000 drive-thru locations to make them faster and more efficient. Many will switch to multi-lane formats to reduce wait times and handle larger orders quickly. Growth will focus on busy areas and emerging markets, while existing restaurants will be upgraded to new standards.
From 2026, franchisees will follow more standardised pricing. Menu prices will still vary by region, but operators will have less freedom to set their own prices. Data, expert tools, and consultants will guide pricing to ensure fair and consistent value.
McDonald’s will also expand its drinks menu through the CosMc’s concept, with over 500 locations offering speciality cold brews, slushies, and flavoured drinks. The chicken menu will grow with new wraps and improved sandwiches. Burger quality will improve under the Better Burger Initiative, focusing on fresher ingredients, better preparation, and stricter food-handling standards.
AI and Technology in Operations
McDonald’s is accelerating card and tap-to-pay options while cash payments may be rounded up or down. The McDonald’s Rewards program will also get upgrades, with more personalised deals, easier mobile ordering, and new ways to earn points.
Artificial intelligence (AI) will play a bigger role in operations, helping improve drive-thru orders, reduce mistakes, and make service faster and more accurate overall.
