It may seem like there’s a McDonald’s on every corner, but the fast food chain has no plans of disappearing anytime soon.


There are currently over 13,000 locations in the U.S., and despite a dismal earnings report, the company recently announced it would be expanding its footprint even further. The ambitious plans include opening 900 additional restaurants within the next two years.


Would you go out to eat more if there were a McDonald’s on your block? Learn all we know about the new expansion plans for the biggest name in fast food.

McDonald’s expansion plans


The fast-food giant recently announced plans that include opening 900 new stores in the next two years. And it’s not just the U.S. getting new McDonald’s, either. The company has set a goal of reaching 50,000 restaurants globally by 2027. That would mean an additional 10,000 locations worldwide.


This news is particularly surprising, coming on the heels of their May 1 quarterly earnings report that revealed same-store sales were down.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially

How is McDonald’s doing financially?


The most recent quarterly report indicated McDonald’s saw a significant decline, dropping 3.6% in same-store sales — the biggest drop since the 2020 pandemic. First-quarter revenue and net income also fell 3%.


This is likely due to middle-income consumers having to cut back spending in their budgets, leading to eating out less. In fact, Eat This, Not That reported that, according to Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski, the only steady traffic was from consumers making $100,000 or more.


Despite this, the company is confident that it can weather these conditions.

Their growth strategy


In 2020, McDonald’s revealed a new growth strategy they dubbed Accelerating the Arches. This included a 3-point plan of maximizing marketing, committing to their core menu items, and doubling down on the “3 D’s” of digital, delivery, and drive-thru.


Part of their digital growth plan includes growing their loyalty program, which plays a significant role in increasing customer retention. Currently, there are approximately 150 million people utilizing the rewards program, but McDonald’s hopes to see that boosted to 250 million active daily users by 2027.


According to the company, it also has the industry’s largest delivery program, and they’ve made major efforts to expand the number of locations that offer it to meet the need for speed and convenience. It is expected that 30% of delivery orders will originate in the app by 2027. Drive-thru experiences will also be improved to provide better and faster services for customers.


To further connect with consumers, the chain has also focused on its core menu items, like the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, and World-Famous Fries, which the company previously stated made up 65% of its sales and are each $1 billion brands on their own.


Overall, McDonald’s hopes that by optimizing this strategy, it will give them competitive advantages, build brand strength, drive increased sales, and continue to offer valuable services to consumers.

Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke

Thoughtful planning can help you maximize your travel experience without draining your wallet. Here are some tips on how to balance your adventure with a budget:

  • Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for lower prices
  • Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
  • Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
  • Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself

You never know where your most memorable moments will come from. So consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience to find the things that are truly worth your money.

McDonald’s will also hire more workers


Last month, McDonald’s also announced its biggest hiring push in years, with plans to hire up to 375,000 employees this summer to meet their expansion demands and serve more customers. This will be the biggest employee hiring spree for McDonald’s since 2020.


“I often think about the time I spent working in our restaurants as a General Manager, and it was immediately clear that crew members are the heart and soul of this brand,” McDonald’s U.S. President Joe said in a press release. “They go above and beyond to take care of our customers, and it’s our job to take care of and create opportunities for them. When you put on an apron for a shift at McDonald’s, you’re building skills you’ll carry with you for life.”

How many McDonald’s locations are there?


Across the globe, there are over 43,000 McDonald’s restaurants in more than 100 countries. The U.S. is home to more than a quarter of that number, with 13,500 locations as of May 2025. Based on their current plan, that number is planned to rise to 14,400 by 2027 and to 50,000 worldwide.

Don’t miss: 8 clever ways to save money so you can still afford to eat out

Shopping pro tip: This month’s best deals

June is here, and with it comes the start of summer, sizzling sales, and a fresh wave of markdowns. Keep an eye out for savings on:

  • Tools, grills, and outdoor gear

  • Swimwear and summer fashion
  • Patio furniture and garden decor
  • For grocery savings, stock up on seasonal produce like blueberries, corn, and zucchini

While you’re soaking up the sun, retailers are already thinking ahead to back-to-school prep, making June a great time to save on summer essentials and snag fresh deals before the crowds catch on.

Other exciting changes


Customers can also look forward to extended hours for the summer. McDonald’s confirmed that most restaurants nationwide will now be open until midnight or later through the summer months.


Those unable to remain open are largely part of other complexes, such as ones located inside airports and malls, which restrict operating hours.

Bottom line


Other exciting news? In an attempt to further attract customers, McDonald’s launched their first new permanent menu item in over four years — the McCrispy Strips. These strips will be the center of the returning cult favorite “Snack Wrap” that will hit menus in July.


And though McDonald’s believes it is situated to weather the economic storm, the current financial climate has most Americans looking for ways to tackle high grocery costs rather than upping their going out to eat budget.


So, to save even more when eating out at McDonald’s, consider signing up for the MyMcDonald’s Rewards program, where you can earn points for every dollar spent and redeem them for free menu items like fries, coffee, and sandwiches.



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