To the envy of smaller franchises and fledgling startups that have struggled to increase their takeout sales over the past year, McDonald’s is on the road to expansion.
The company revealed it will be dipping into its $2.3 billion of capital reserves to open 500 new restaurants in the U.S., and more than 1,300 abroad. It also earmarked $500 million for modernizing nearly 1,200 locations.
In some cases, those upgrades will include implementing multiple drive-thru lanes while expanding delivery service.
During certain quarters last year, drive-thru business at McDonald’s netted 90 percent of sales, despite the comings and goings of popular deals such as the “2 for $6” on certain burgers and sandwiches.
Some attribute the increase in drive-thru traffic to new menu items, such as the spicy chicken nuggets or the recent resurrection of the infamous McRib.
“I don’t agree,” said New York-based industry analyst Marcia Sims. “It isn’t so much about those newcomers that keep consumers loyal to McDonald’s. It’s about convenience, speed and simplicity. It always has been.”
On another note, McDonald’s is among a growing minority of U.S. mega companies providing paid time to employees to get their Covid vaccines. The incentive applies to all workers at company-owned locations, which pays them for four hours.
I like that they’re giving paid leave for employees to get vaccinated, I didn’t have that option and I work in the medical field. Kudos to them! However, I haven’t had fast food in over 15 years and don’t plan on it anytime soon.
I may or may not have contributed to the increased sales at Mickey D’s in 2020. 🙄