Whether the golden arches call you at lunchtime, in the evenings, or on the weekends, it’s not quite as simple now as it used to be to go get your fix. That ugly bastard inflation has made McDonald’s a lot more expensive now, just like everything else! 😡 But just how much? And what is the world’s biggest burger chain doing about it?
Here are Five Fast Facts on McDonald’s right now:
- 💰 Tighter Belts And Higher Costs - Consumers are trying to save money wherever they can, and that means they’re spending more on groceries than eating out. Things like California’s new fast food wage law are part of the problem for restaurants like McDonald’s, too.
- 💲 Big Numbers - McDonald’s made $6.2 billion last quarter, about what the fancy suits thought they would. It’s 5% higher than last year, and they’re expecting at least a little bit of growth over the next year. That’s a very good thing, though even the mighty Mickey D’s is seeing big time challenges on the horizon.
- 📈 Up And Up - McDonald’s has seen the biggest price increases due to inflation of any fast food chain. The cost of goods has gone up about 39% over the last decade, but many of McDonald’s menu items have gone up 100%, some even more. A McChicken sandwich has gone from the dollar menu to $3, and a medium fries used to be $1.59 but is now $3.79. A double quarter pounder meal used to be $5.39 but will now set you back almost $12! And here we thought the only Whoppers were at that other burger place!
- 🌎 International Issues - Believe it or not, the Israel/Hamas conflict is hurting McDonald’s, too. A number of Middle Eastern countries are boycotting the restaurant because of its perceived support for Israel, so that’s hurting international sales. To be fair, some places like Japan are still doing quite well.
- 🍩 The Plan - CEO Chris Kempczinski recently pledged to get “laser focused” on affordability. They are running more specials, offering more deals, and are looking to try some new things, like selling Krispy Kreme donuts starting in 2026. Cuz you know, it wasn't enough of a gut bomb already.
🔥Bottom line: You know it’s tough out there when even the king of fast food is struggling. When people have to make their Paychecks stretch further, it’s harder to justify eating out at a restaurant, even one like McDonald’s. Hopefully these changes will help the company bring more value, both to itself and its shareholders, as well as to normal folks who eat there.
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