Food & drink/retail
“For aspiring franchisees, this is an ideal time to see how a McDonald’s franchise can open the door to new opportunities”
and role clarity. Through simplification, McDonald’s has made meaningful strides in turning OAD from an aspiration into something that works in the reality of managing the busiest of days. Technology has also played a vital role in its progress – not by adding layers of complexity, but by intentionally taking them away. Purpose-built operational tools are being introduced to support teams at critical moments, cutting out unnecessary steps, automating essential checks and reducing cognitive load when it matters most. This is an ongoing evolution, designed to give teams more time and headspace to lead, to coach and to serve customers brilliantly. McDonald’s is building a more data-
driven, personalised relationship with its customers through app-based ordering, loyalty schemes, and targeted promotions. These tools are helping drive repeat visits, alongside improving operational efficiency through better demand forecasting. This is not simply a marketing tool, but a structural advantage, as the data generated through digital engagement informs key decisions across menu development, pricing strategies, and restaurant operations. For franchisees, this means operating within a system that is becoming progressively smarter, more responsive, and better equipped to support sustained sales growth. One of the clearest examples of
progress is the accelerated rollout of Accuracy Scales in Delivery and Drive Thru. These tools act as a final safeguard before orders leave the restaurant, helping teams catch and correct errors in real time, with tangible benefits – improved accuracy, growing customer confidence and overall experience. Simplification is now embedded
as a way of thinking – not a one-off initiative, but a mindset that guides how McDonald's design processes introduce technology and support restaurants. Each improvement builds on the last, creating a stronger, more resilient operation that works better
for teams and customers alike. Looking ahead, the relentless pursuit of simplification is unlocking space for new possibilities, paving the way for fresh ideas and innovations that will shape McDonald’s next chapter – from smarter technology solutions to enhanced customer experiences.
More restaurants, more opportunity, more impact After opening 43 restaurants in 2025, McDonald’s is continuing its expansion with a plan for a further 45 openings in 2026 and also recently announced a £150million investment into Ireland aimed at opening 25 new restaurants over the next five years, creating 1,750 jobs. In the meantime, a significant
reinvestment programme is underway with 150 restaurants due to be reimagined over the next five years, allowing all restaurants the ability to deliver the very best customer experience
Designed for how customers live today The evolution of the restaurant portfolio is a central pillar of the future strategy, with the introduction of new formats such as smaller footprint locations and “drive-to” concepts designed to better meet changing customer behaviours. This shift is driven by increasing demand for convenience and speed, the continued
growth of takeaway and digital ordering, and the changing dynamics of the high street and retail environments. For franchisees, this creates greater flexibility and resilience through a broader range of potential sites and formats, lower entry thresholds in some locations, and improved alignment with local market conditions. It also demonstrates a business that is actively adapting to change, rather than defending its legacy model – an important consideration for long-term investment.
Turning ambition into action McDonald’s ambition is to achieve net zero emissions in the UK and Ireland, from farms to restaurants, by 2040. This means making changes across the whole business and value chain – from the key ingredients sourced for the menu, to how restaurants are built and operated, thus significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. McDonald’s is also committed to supporting British and Irish farmers to improve soil health and water management and this year won the Sustainability Award at the Elite Franchising Awards 2026.
The partnerships powering the supply chain An efficient and resilient supply chain sits at the heart of McDonald’s. From farm to restaurant, its sourcing standards – grounded in provenance, animal welfare and uncompromising quality – don’t just mitigate risk; they create a powerful and enduring competitive advantage. Many of McDonald’s suppliers say they take enormous pride in working with the à
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