Introduction
McDonald’s, the world’s largest fast-food chain, is planning to open hundreds of new locations in the United States in 2023. This is great news for McDonald’s fans, as it means more convenient locations and more options for their favorite meals. The new locations will be spread across the country, with a focus on urban and suburban areas. McDonald’s is also investing in technology and digital initiatives to make the customer experience even better. With the addition of these new locations, McDonald’s is sure to become an even bigger part of the American landscape.
McDonald’s to Open Hundreds of New U.S. Locations in 2023
McDonald’s is planning to open hundreds of new locations in the United States in 2023. The fast-food giant is looking to expand its presence in the country, with the new locations expected to be located in both urban and rural areas.
The company has not yet revealed the exact number of new locations that will be opened, but it is expected to be in the hundreds. McDonald’s currently has more than 14,000 locations in the United States, and the new openings will help the company reach even more customers.
McDonald’s is also planning to invest in technology and digital initiatives to improve the customer experience. This includes the introduction of self-order kiosks, mobile ordering, and delivery services. The company is also looking to expand its menu offerings to include healthier options.
The new locations will create thousands of jobs in the United States, and McDonald’s is also looking to hire more employees to staff the new locations. The company is also looking to invest in training and development programs to ensure that its employees are well-equipped to provide the best customer service.
McDonald’s is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and the new locations will help the company reach even more customers. The company is looking to capitalize on the growing demand for fast-food in the United States, and the new locations will help it do just that.
Although it operates more than 13,000 locations in the United States, McDonald’s has been shrinking for the past eight years. The last time the chain opened more locations than it closed was in 2014—well before the pandemic. But according to the latest information shared in an earnings call on Tuesday, the fast-food behemoth is reviving its plans for massive growth both domestically and abroad.
McDonald’s has been hinting at plans to begin expanding again ever since it revealed Accelerating the Arches 2.0, a roadmap of its future that places a heavy focus on development. However, the company did not reveal how many new openings it had in mind. On this morning’s earnings call, it finally revealed that number. In 2023, McDonald’s is planning to open 1,900 worldwide restaurants, with 400 locations planned for the United States and its internationally operated markets.
McDonald’s President and CEO Chris Kempczinski and CFO Ian Borden both expressed strong optimism for the future of McDonald’s coming off a year with many successes, both in terms of finances and connecting with new and existing customers. They emphasized that the Accelerating the Arches 2.0 plan to transform and build the McDonald’s brand was still the company’s main focus. That includes marketing that connects with the customers, a commitment to the core products (burgers, chicken, and coffee), and a plan to focus on delivery, digital, drive-thru, and development.
For the past few years, the chain has focused on modernizing the existing restaurants but plans to shift its focus to growing its global footprint again in 2023. This growth is fueled by “exceptional” results in its most recent quarter, with domestic sales up over 10% at the end of last year versus the same period in 2021, almost 6% for the year overall. While Kempczinski did note that he expects inflation to affect the company in the short term, he remains optimistic that the chain has what it takes to succeed and grow. Opening new locations is the key to future success. McDonald’s plans to spend about 2.2 billion this year with half dedicated to opening new units across the globe.
When and, more importantly, where the new American restaurants would be built will be revealed later in the year. Kempczinski emphasized that their locations are be paramount, saying the company is “spending the time right now to getting a granular look where we would build and what pace and what types of restaurants.” In the past, he said, McDonald’s was more focused on a number and less on the quality of the locations and their potential for success. The type of restaurant and format will be important, too, so we might see more locations like the futuristic drive-thru restaurant in Texas.
One thing is for sure, delivery and digital ordering are sure to play a big role in any new restaurant plans. McDonald’s app was downloaded 40 million times in 2022, more than the next three quick-service restaurant apps combined.
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