Fast Food 12 February 2026 - 22 April 2026

McDonald’s Six New Drinks Hit Menus This Week as the Beverage War Heats Up
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McDonald’s Six New Drinks Hit Menus This Week as the Beverage War Heats Up

Starting Wednesday, McDonald’s is adding six specialty drinks to its U.S. lineup, betting that items like fruit refreshers, cold foam sodas, and boba can draw in customers during non-meal hours. Alyssa Buetikofer, chief marketing and customer experience officer at McDonald’s USA, put it plainly: the company wants drinks to be “the reason” guests come in. The timing is key: McDonald’s is betting that drinks can pull in customers on their own, following trials in over 500 U.S. locations. Jill McDonald, who heads global restaurant experience, pointed to “incremental occasions” and fatter average checks during those tests. BTIG’s Peter Saleh added that if franchisees put money into new equipment and the rollout gets traction, comparable sales could see a mid-single-digit boost.
May 4, 2026
McDonald’s New Under-$3 McValue Menu Is Here, but It May Not Cut Your Bill
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McDonald’s New Under-$3 McValue Menu Is Here, but It May Not Cut Your Bill

On Tuesday, McDonald’s introduced its updated U.S. McValue menu, bringing in items priced below $3 and a $4 breakfast meal deal. Gone is the buy-one, add-one-for-$1 promotion, which had appealed to bargain-seeking customers who considered it the better deal. This shift is significant: McDonald’s wants its value pitch to land, especially as price-sensitive customers keep a close eye on menus. Since 2024, the company has ramped up promotions, reacting to backlash over fast-food price hikes and a dip in visits from bargain hunters.
April 22, 2026
McDonald’s Brings McGriddles to UK Breakfast Menu 23 Years After U.S. Debut
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McDonald’s Brings McGriddles to UK Breakfast Menu 23 Years After U.S. Debut

Starting March 17, McDonald’s is rolling out Sausage & Egg McGriddles across the UK and Ireland—marking the first official local launch of this classic U.S. breakfast staple. The sandwich lands on menus for a limited stretch, with a suggested price tag of £3.99, although actual prices may differ depending on the restaurant. This shift carries weight as McDonald’s continues to push value deals and limited-time promos, aiming to draw in price-sensitive diners. Back in February, the chain reported steady demand in Britain, and Northcoast Research’s Jim Sanderson noted McDonald’s needs to keep riding “marketing and value promotions” to maintain “positive and growing” traffic.
March 13, 2026
McDonald’s Q4 2025 earnings beat as value meals pull customers back and same-store sales jump
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McDonald’s Q4 2025 earnings beat as value meals pull customers back and same-store sales jump

McDonald's reported a 5.7% increase in global comparable sales for the fourth quarter, driven by value meal deals and strong marketing. Revenue jumped 10% to $7.01 billion, with adjusted earnings hitting $3.12 per share. The company also raised its quarterly dividend by 5%, to $1.86. For 2025, systemwide sales — covering both franchised and company-operated outlets — rose 7% to over $139 billion. Sales to loyalty members surged 20%, reaching nearly $37 billion, McDonald's added. This matters because major chains are stepping up efforts to attract cautious shoppers, particularly in the budget segment. Investors worry that another wave of discounting might boost sales but squeeze margins—or trigger more conflicts with franchisees.
February 12, 2026