INSIDER
McDonald's same-store sales fall for 1st time since 2020 as tapped-out customers hold on to cash
Read full article: McDonald's same-store sales fall for 1st time since 2020 as tapped-out customers hold on to cashMcDonaldโs global same-stores fell for the first time in nearly four years in the second quarter as inflation-weary consumers skipped eating out or chose cheaper options.
Big Mac battle: McDonald's loses European Union trademark fight with Irish rival Supermac's
Read full article: Big Mac battle: McDonald's loses European Union trademark fight with Irish rival Supermac'sA top European Union court ruled that McDonaldโs has lost its Big Mac trademark in the 27-nation bloc, ruling in favor of Irish fast food rival Supermacโs in a long-running legal battle.
McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and news reports overstated its price increases
Read full article: McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and news reports overstated its price increasesMcDonaldโs is fighting back against media reports it says have exaggerated its price increases.
McDonald's plans $5 US meal deal next month to counter customer frustration over high prices
Read full article: McDonald's plans $5 US meal deal next month to counter customer frustration over high pricesMcDonaldโs is planning to introduce a $5 meal deal in the U.S. next month to counter slowing sales and customersโ frustration with high prices.
Beyond Meat urges investors to look past bumpy Q1, says new US burger could reignite sales
Read full article: Beyond Meat urges investors to look past bumpy Q1, says new US burger could reignite salesPlant-based meat maker Beyond Meat urged investors to look past its mixed first quarter results Wednesday, saying a new, healthier burger just hitting U.S. shelves will help reignite weak sales.
McDonald's buys its Israeli restaurants from franchisee who sparked costly boycotts
Read full article: McDonald's buys its Israeli restaurants from franchisee who sparked costly boycottsMcDonaldโs is buying its restaurants in Israel from a longtime franchisee, hoping to reset sales that have slumped due to boycotts in the region.
Federal judge in Texas blocks US labor board rule that would make it easier for workers to unionize
Read full article: Federal judge in Texas blocks US labor board rule that would make it easier for workers to unionizeA federal judge in Texas has blocked a new rule by the National Labor Relations Board that would have made it easier for millions of workers to form unions at big companies.
Fast-food wrappers that contain PFAS are no longer sold in the US, the FDA says
Read full article: Fast-food wrappers that contain PFAS are no longer sold in the US, the FDA saysFast-food wrappers and packaging that contain so-called forever chemicals are no longer being sold in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration says the voluntary effort that began in 2020 between the agency and U.S. food manufacturers has been completed.
McDonald's testing new CosMc's chain amid unprecedented global expansion
Read full article: McDonald's testing new CosMc's chain amid unprecedented global expansionMcDonaldโs is testing a new restaurant format with customizable drinks and treats designed to appeal to afternoon snackers โ and grab sales from competitors like Starbucks and Dunkinโ.
New rule would make it easier for millions of Americans to unionize, but businesses are pushing back
Read full article: New rule would make it easier for millions of Americans to unionize, but businesses are pushing backA federal rule that goes into effect next month could make it easier for millions of workers to unionize at big companies like McDonaldโs.
McDonald's promotions lure diners despite higher menu prices and revenue jumps 14%
Read full article: McDonald's promotions lure diners despite higher menu prices and revenue jumps 14%McDonaldโs reported better-than-expected sales in the third quarter, as popular promotions brought in customers despite higher U.S. prices.
Burger King is adding the Royal Crispy Wrap to its menu, a twist on a McDonaldโs favorite
Read full article: Burger King is adding the Royal Crispy Wrap to its menu, a twist on a McDonaldโs favoriteThe day that McDonaldโs discontinued making their heavenly and iconic Snack Wraps is a day Iโll never forget.
Grimace campaign that went weirdly viral fuels McDonald's Q2, yet growth may slow as inflation cools
Read full article: Grimace campaign that went weirdly viral fuels McDonald's Q2, yet growth may slow as inflation coolsMcDonaldโs is grinning thanks to Grimace after a marketing campaign to celebrate the โbirthdayโ of its big purple mascot went viral and contributed to surprisingly strong second quarter sales.
McDonaldโs released a purple milkshake in honor of Grimaceโs birthday and Iโm obsessed
Read full article: McDonaldโs released a purple milkshake in honor of Grimaceโs birthday and Iโm obsessedGrimace, arguably the coolest McDonalsโd character, is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
January US job openings dip, but still high at 10.8 million
Read full article: January US job openings dip, but still high at 10.8 millionU.S. employers posted 10.8 million job openings in January, indicating the American job market continues to run too hot for the inflation fighters at the Federal Reserve.
Officer who hit woman in McDonald's dispute placed on leave
Read full article: Officer who hit woman in McDonald's dispute placed on leaveAn Ohio police officer who struck a Black woman as she was taken into custody at a McDonald's has been placed on paid administrative leave while authorities investigate.
A key US inflation gauge stayed at a high 6.2% in September
Read full article: A key US inflation gauge stayed at a high 6.2% in SeptemberA measure of inflation that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve remained painfully high last month, the latest sign that prices for most goods and services in the United States are still rising steadily.
National Cheeseburger Day: McDonaldโs offering special deal for app users on Sunday
Read full article: National Cheeseburger Day: McDonaldโs offering special deal for app users on SundayOn Wednesday, McDonaldโs announced that in honor of National Cheeseburger Day this year, they will be offering a special deal.
McDonald's posts lower Q2 revenue, charges weigh down profit
Read full article: McDonald's posts lower Q2 revenue, charges weigh down profitMcDonaldโs revenue fell short of expectations in the second quarter as coronavirus restrictions shuttered stores in China and higher prices took a toll on U.S. demand.
Chick-fil-A leads fast-food industry for eighth year straight, McDonaldโs remains last
Read full article: Chick-fil-A leads fast-food industry for eighth year straight, McDonaldโs remains lastFor the eighth year straight, Chick-fil-A has been named the fast-food industry leader in customer satisfaction, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
Russian-owned successor of McDonald's opens in Moscow
Read full article: Russian-owned successor of McDonald's opens in MoscowThree months after McDonaldโs suspended operations in Russia, its famous former outlet on Moscowโs Pushkin Square as the restaurant reopened under a Russian owner and a new name.
Ex-Chicago officer who killed Laquan McDonald leaves prison
Read full article: Ex-Chicago officer who killed Laquan McDonald leaves prisonThe former Chicago police officer who was convicted in the shooting death of Black teenager Laquan McDonald has been released from prison after serving less than half of his sentence.
Anger, questions as ex-cop who killed Black teen is set free
Read full article: Anger, questions as ex-cop who killed Black teen is set freeThe imminent release from prison of the former Chicago police officer who shot Laquan McDonald 16 times in 2014, killing the Black teenager, is a reminder for some of what they say is an unfair criminal justice system.
California eyes giving 500,000 fast food workers more power
Read full article: California eyes giving 500,000 fast food workers more powerCaliforniaโs more than half-million fast food workers would get increased power and protections under a first-in-the-nation measure approved by the state Assembly.
Ousted McDonald's CEO returns $105M after misconduct
Read full article: Ousted McDonald's CEO returns $105M after misconductFormer McDonaldโs CEO Steve Easterbrook has paid back more than $105 million in equity awards and cash to the burger giant after it learned that he had lied about the extent of his misconduct while he was its top executive.
Police shooting looms over Emanuel in confirmation battle
Read full article: Police shooting looms over Emanuel in confirmation battleThe fatal police shooting of a Black teen in Chicago seven years ago is looming large over former Mayor Rahm Emanuel as he hopes to win Senate confirmation as ambassador to Japan.
Check out Cindy Crawford rocking out daisy dukes... again
Read full article: Check out Cindy Crawford rocking out daisy dukes... againJoin Rachel and Lindsey as they chat about Cindy Crawford recreating an iconic commercial from the 90โฒs, how the Macyโs Thanksgiving Parade will be in person this year and McDonaldโs latest happy meal toy series.
Broken McDonaldโs ice cream machines under investigation by the FTC
Read full article: Broken McDonaldโs ice cream machines under investigation by the FTCMcDonaldโs customers always joke about how the fast-food chainโs ice cream machines are always broken. Now, the federal government is getting involved in this situation.
Supply issues take shakes off the menu at British McDonald's
Read full article: Supply issues take shakes off the menu at British McDonald'sMcDonaldโs says it has pulled milkshakes from the menu in all 1,250 of its British restaurants because of supply problems stemming from a shortage of truck drivers.
Did you know that Chandler and Monica are related?!
Read full article: Did you know that Chandler and Monica are related?!Join Lindsey and Jenna as they chat about Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox being related, how chicken, amongst other products, are experiencing a shortage, and how BTS is partnering up with McDonaldโs for their next celebrity meal.
Activists blockade McDonald's distribution centers in UK
Read full article: Activists blockade McDonald's distribution centers in UKAnimal rights protesters are blockading four McDonaldโs distribution centers in the U.K. in an attempt to get the burger chain to commit to becoming fully plant-based by 2025.
McDonald's comes roaring back as restrictions ease
Read full article: McDonald's comes roaring back as restrictions easeThe bounce back for McDonaldโs as restrictions were lifted across the U.S. was so strong in the first quarter that the company surpassed sales during the same period even in 2019, long before the pandemic broadsided the country.
One Florida McDonaldโs offers $50 to anyone who interviews for a job
Read full article: One Florida McDonaldโs offers $50 to anyone who interviews for a jobOne Florida McDonaldโs started offering a $50 incentive to anyone who went in for an interview to help hire more workers, according to Tampa Bayโs CBS affiliate WTSP.
US jobless claims fall to 547,000, another pandemic low
Read full article: US jobless claims fall to 547,000, another pandemic lowThe number of Americans applying for unemployment aid fell last week to 547,000, a new low since the pandemic struck and a further encouraging sign that layoffs are slowing on the strength of an improving job market.
McPlant and more: Beyond Meat inks McDonald's, Yum deals
Read full article: McPlant and more: Beyond Meat inks McDonald's, Yum dealsBeyond Meat on Thursday announced distribution agreements with McDonald's as well as with Yum Brands, the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. Beyond Meat had limited partnerships with McDonald's and Yum Brands before, testing its products in limited geographies or with only an item or two. Chicago-based McDonald's will use the Beyond Meat partnership to roll out what it is calling the โMcPlantโ burger, as well as eventually plant-based pork, egg and chicken products. AdYum will use Beyond Meat to expand its โBeyond Fried Chickenโ products, as well as pizza toppings at Pizza Hut. Burger King has partnered with Impossible Foods to provide products that use plant-based products as well.
Black franchise owner sues McDonald's, cites persistent bias
Read full article: Black franchise owner sues McDonald's, cites persistent biasWashington, the Black owner of 14 McDonald's franchises in Ohio has sued the corporation in federal court asserting numerous instances of unfair treatment compared with white owners. โBy relegating Black owners to the oldest stores in the toughest neighborhoods, McDonaldโs ensured that Black franchisees would never achieve the levels of success that White franchisees could expect,โ the lawsuit said. โBlack franchisees must spend more to operate their stores while White franchisees get to realize the full benefit of their labors." He blames his advocacy on behalf of Black McDonald's owners for his troubles with the company. According to the lawsuit, the number of Black McDonald's franchise owners in the U.S. has fallen from 377 in 1998 to 186 today.
The Latest: Keselowski has no regrets about Daytona 500 end
Read full article: The Latest: Keselowski has no regrets about Daytona 500 endRacers crash during the last lap in the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. โ The Latest on the Daytona 500 (all times local):12:35 a.m.Brad Keselowski has no regrets about the way he handled the final lap of the Daytona 500. ___12:15 a.m.Michael McDowell won the Daytona 500 after Penske Racing teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski wrecked on the final lap. ___3:25 p.m.Derrike Cope was knocked out after only three laps, an ignominious end for the 62-year-old driver who won the 1990 Daytona 500. ___2 p.m.Bubba Wallaceโs car failed inspection twice for the Daytona 500 and will have to start at the back of the field. AdWallace drives a new entry owned by NBA great Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin.
Hereโs how you can get a 25-cent milkshake at McDonaldโs today!
Read full article: Hereโs how you can get a 25-cent milkshake at McDonaldโs today!ROANOKE, Va. โ Some days we could all use a sweet treat as a pick-me-up. Today, Jan. 28, McDonaldโs is offering those who order through its app a small milkshake for $0.25 with a minimum $1 purchase. Make sure you donโt just roll up to the drive-through window because you will need to first make the order in the McDonaldโs app. So, if youโre looking for the best bang for your buck, you can purchase two cookies for $1. Or, if you want some health value, why not go with apple slices for $1.19?
McDonald's US sales strong in Q4, but COVID drags elsewhere
Read full article: McDonald's US sales strong in Q4, but COVID drags elsewhereU.S. same-store sales jumped 5.5% in the October-December period, pumped up by new menu items like spicy Chicken McNuggets and a meal deal collaboration with Colombian singer J Balvin. For the full year, McDonald's said U.S. same-store sales __ or sales at stores open at least a year __ were up less than 1%, their sixth consecutive year of growth. But worldwide, same-store sales were down 1.3% for the quarter, reflecting store closures and limited operating hours in various markets across Europe, Latin America and Asia. For the full year, global same-store sales were down 7.7%, a bigger decline than the 7% drop Wall Street had forecast, according to analysts polled by FactSet. Earlier this week, Starbucks said its global same-store sales fell 5% in the October-December period.
Oh so bad, but oh so good, all at the same time: Whet your appetite with this quiz on fast food
Read full article: Oh so bad, but oh so good, all at the same time: Whet your appetite with this quiz on fast foodThere is a lot that has changed about society over the past few decades, but one thing that has stayed constant is peopleโs love for fast food.
Beyond Meat shares plummet on weak 3Q, McDonald's questions
Read full article: Beyond Meat shares plummet on weak 3Q, McDonald's questionsBeyond Meat's stock plummeted Monday after company executives struggled to explain the company's weaker-than-expected third quarter sales and answer questions about whether it will make plant-based burgers for McDonald's. On top of that, McDonald's raised questions earlier in the day about its relationship with Beyond Meat. McDonald's tested a Beyond Meat burger in Canada earlier this year, and Beyond Meat President and CEO Ethan Brown insisted that his company continues to work with McDonald's on the McPlant. Brown said U.S. retail sales of Beyond Meat slowed in the July-September period despite increased availability in stores. At the same time, Beyond Meat said sales to restaurants and other venues continue to struggle.
McDonald's cult classic, the McRib, is coming back
Read full article: McDonald's cult classic, the McRib, is coming backThis photo provided by McDonald's shows the McRib sandwich. McDonalds announced that it was bringing its barbeque slathered sandwich with the cult following back for yet another run on Dec. 2. (McDonald's via AP)NEW YORK โ McRib, the fast food sandwich that went viral before viral was a thing, is back. McDonald's announced Friday that for the first time in eight years it will be offering nationwide its barbeque slathered sandwich with the cult following. McDonald's is reintroducing the McRib nationally as it tries to regain its footing during the pandemic, which left many of its dining rooms sparsely populated or empty, though drive-thrus continued to operate.
Someone created a website that tracks broken ice cream machines at McDonaldโs, and itโs genius
Read full article: Someone created a website that tracks broken ice cream machines at McDonaldโs, and itโs geniusBut alas, while you may have gotten your Big Mac or McChicken, the ice cream machine is yet again broken, and your McFlurry dreams have been crushed. Not only are you upset, but so are the kids in the back seat who just wanted an ice cream cone. If only there was some way you could have known the ice cream machine was down, so you could have gone to a different McDonaldโs with a working machine. A version of this scenario inspired 24-year-old software engineer Rashiq Zahid to created McBroken, a new website that tracks whether the ice cream machine at every McDonaldโs is working or not. Only a true @McDonalds fan would go to these lengths to help customers get our delicious ice cream!
Drive-thru dominates even as dine-in restrictions ease
Read full article: Drive-thru dominates even as dine-in restrictions easeIn contrast, at overseas McDonaldโs locations, where drive-thru windows are less common, same-store sales dipped compared with a year ago. Domino's said its same-store sales overseas climbed 6.2% as stores in hard-hit markets like India and Spain reopened and more business migrated to delivery. Nearly all U.S. McDonaldโs have drive-thru windows and its delivery business is rising. When combined with international sales, McDonald's same-store sales fell 2.2%. Still, that was significantly better than the second quarter, when same-store sales fell 24%.
McDonald's internal investigation extends beyond ousted CEO
Read full article: McDonald's internal investigation extends beyond ousted CEOAn internal investigation by McDonalds of potential misconduct has extended beyond its former CEO who was forced out late last year. After Easterbrook was became McDonald's CEO in 2015 he named Fairhurst, a friend, to lead the human resource department. Yet in July, McDonalds received information from another company employee suggesting that Easterbrook had multiple affairs with subordinates. The same person also told the company about issues within the human resources department. McDonalds named Heidi Capozzi, who had worked for Boeing, as human resources chief in March.
Warrants reveal suspect in fatal shooting at Roanoke McDonaldโs near Berglund Center
Read full article: Warrants reveal suspect in fatal shooting at Roanoke McDonaldโs near Berglund CenterROANOKE, Va. โ LATESTCourt documents reveal the suspect in a Roanoke shooting on Wednesday afternoon that left one man dead. 18-year-old Arieon Roane allegedly killed 21-year-old Sincere DeGroat in the parking lot of a McDonaldโs near the Berglund Center, according to court documents. Warrants claim Roane and DeGroat met at the McDonaldโs, got into an argument and then shot each other. UPDATEThe Roanoke Police Department announced the name of the man who was shot and killed Wednesday in a McDonaldโs parking lot. ORIGINAL STORYOne person is dead and a second person was shot at the McDonaldโs on Williamson Road on Wednesday afternoon.
McDonaldโs will soon require customers nationwide wear a mask
Read full article: McDonaldโs will soon require customers nationwide wear a maskROANOKE, Va. โ While Virginians already have to wear them, soon, McDonaldโs customers across the country will be required to wear a mask as well. The fast-food giant announced on Friday that beginning, August 1, all customers will be required to wear some type of face covering while inside a McDonaldโs. The company has developed a series of divider panels to allow for safer order taking and itโs pausing reopening its dining rooms for another 30 days. This means that the company will not approve the re-opening of any additional dining rooms for the next month. McDonaldโs joins a large number of other national businesses that are requiring masks.
McDonaldโs giving frontline workers free โThank You Mealsโ for two weeks
Read full article: McDonaldโs giving frontline workers free โThank You Mealsโ for two weeksTo show its thanks to frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic, McDonaldโs is offering health care workers and first responders free โThank You Mealsโ from April 22 to May 5. Each meal, whether you choose breakfast, lunch or dinner, is free through the drive-thru or carryout at participating McDonaldโs. A note of appreciation will also be served alongside the food in its iconic Happy Meal box. The meal choice for breakfast includes an Egg McMuffin, Chicken McGriddles or a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit. โWe are proud to be able support our neighbors who are on the frontlines as first responders and healthcare workers with Thank You Meals.โA valid ID will be required to claim the free meal.
Kyle Larson fired after sponsors drop NASCAR driver over slur
Read full article: Kyle Larson fired after sponsors drop NASCAR driver over slurCHARLOTTE, N.C. โ As sponsor after sponsor dropped Kyle Larson after he used a racial slur during a live-streamed virtual race, his NASCAR team owner was backed into a corner. โI told Kyle he can come back from this; he can even come back from this with our team,โ Ganassi told The Associated Press. Ross Chastain, under contract as a development driver for Ganassi, will likely replace Larson whenever racing resumes. โAfter much consideration, Chip Ganassi Racing has determined that it will end its relationship with driver Kyle Larson,โ Ganassi said in a statement. Larson was thought to be deciding between Ganassi or a move to Tony Stewartโs NASCAR team.
NASCARโs Kyle Larson suspended for racial slur in virtual race
Read full article: NASCARโs Kyle Larson suspended for racial slur in virtual raceFILE - In this Feb. 14, 2020, file photo, Kyle Larson gets ready to climb into his car to practice for the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Kyle Larson used a racial slur on a live stream Sunday. The decision came hours after NASCAR and Chip Ganassi Racing suspended Larson indefinitely, his team doing so without pay. Larson was parked during the race Wallace quit a week earlier by iRacing officials for intentionally wrecking another driver. Larson, in his seventh full season racing at NASCAR's top Cup level, is in the final year of his contract with Chip Ganassi Racing. Larson used the slur during a race for fun against drivers from various series.
Well thatโs one way to describe how big a hailstone is...
Read full article: Well thatโs one way to describe how big a hailstone is...One storm moved through Jones County, dropping large hail near Jeffery Craigโs home in the Tuckers Crossing community. Storm Reports (3/4/2020) (WSLS)Yes, he used a McDonaldโs sauce packet! Jeffery, by chance could you measure the length of that sauce packet? โ NWS Jackson MS (@NWSJacksonMS) March 4, 2020Jeffery responded that the sauce packet measured 2.375 inches, so the NWS meteorologists concluded that the hailstone was close to tennis-ball sized, about 2.5 inches. While this is a hilarious way to send in a storm report, we suggest you use the typical objects to measure hail size the next time we see any in southwest Virginia.
How You Can Get a Hold of Nostalgic Toys Like Tamagotchi and Furby Again
Read full article: How You Can Get a Hold of Nostalgic Toys Like Tamagotchi and Furby AgainThe chain is reintroducing timeless toys that appeared in Happy Meals throughout the years to celebrate the childhood staple's 40th birthday. The current toys are being swapped for play things of old, like Furby, Hello Kitty and the beloved Tamagotchi. TamagotchiMcDonald'sWho didn't love to feed and care for their Tamagotchi in the 90s and 2000s? FurbyMcDonald'sA mini version of another Hasbro toy that most kid had the Furby will be available too. Hello KittyMcdonald'sThe Hello Kitty brand was an extreme craze in the 2000s, and in 2013, McDonalds introduced the Sanrio toy into their Happy Meals.
Hill City Scene: Eat & Shop, what more could you want?
Read full article: Hill City Scene: Eat & Shop, what more could you want?Now if you're looking for the stew, don't get there too early as the stew isn't served until noon. If you can't get there early, don't worry, the event lasts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We'd love to start sharing your beautiful pictures of the Hill City each week in Hill City Scene. Want to know what else is happening in the Hill City? We'll see clouds in the Hill City this weekend.
Arizona boy calls police to order a McDonald's Happy Meal
Read full article: Arizona boy calls police to order a McDonald's Happy MealA 5-year-old boy didn't have an emergency; he just wanted to order a Happy Meal from McDonald's. A Mesa police officer delivered the food in person to the child, along with some advice about the proper time to use 911. Randy Skabelund spoke to the dispatcher in a follow-up call to say there wasn't an emergency and his son Charlie must have had his cellphone. He brought the requested meal, took time to teach Charlie about when it's the right time to call police and even posed for a few photos. The boy's mother, Kim Skabelund, says Valdez handled the situation with "love and kindness."
Bad time to be a CEO: 170 top executives left last month
Read full article: Bad time to be a CEO: 170 top executives left last monthThose companies, and plenty more, saw their chief executives walk out the door just in the past few months, part of a record-breaking trend. That is up 14% compared to September and 15% more than the 149 CEO departures in October 2018. The report said most the CEO departures through October of this year -- 281 -- were from companies in the government and non-profit sector. The changes were prompted by "new legislation or political changes that influence leadership," the report said. The telecommunications and electronics sector was the second highest, with 188 departures, and financial companies had the third-highest number of CEO changes at 104.
McDonald's ex-CEO steps down from Walmart's board
Read full article: McDonald's ex-CEO steps down from Walmart's board(CNN) - Steve Easterbrook resigned from Walmart's board a day after announcing his exit from McDonald's. Easterbrook informed Walmart on Monday that he was stepping down from its board of directors effective immediately, according to a regulatory filing. The departure follows his dismissal as CEO of the fast food chain for having a consensual relationship with a McDonald's employee. Easterbrook joined Walmart's board of directors in 2018. Easterbrook had been McDonald's CEO since 2015.
McDonald's CEO out for violating company policy
Read full article: McDonald's CEO out for violating company policy(CNN) - Steve Easterbrook is out as McDonald's CEO and president after the board determined that he violated company policy, the company said on Sunday. Easterbrook, who became CEO in 2015, "demonstrated poor judgment involving a recent consensual relationship with an employee," McDonald's said in a statement. He is replaced in both roles by Chris Kempczinski, who was most recently president of McDonald's USA, effective immediately. This is a developing story. The-CNN-Wire & 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company.
McDonald's is bringing back retro Happy Meal toys
Read full article: McDonald's is bringing back retro Happy Meal toysFrom McDonalds(CNN) - McDonald's Happy Meal might be for kids, but officially it's over the hill. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the company's first Happy Meal, the kids meal that helped McDonald's achieve fast food supremacy. Between November 7 through 11, McDonald's will sell a "Surprise Happy Meal" in 90 countries that will include the throwback toys. Some of the early Happy Meal toys included a McDoodler stencil, McWrist wallet and a spinning top. The addition inspired a line of Happy Meal toys modeled after the McNuggets.
America's biggest restaurant chains scored on their antibiotic use
Read full article: America's biggest restaurant chains scored on their antibiotic use(CNN) - Many of our favorite fast food and restaurant chains continue to contribute to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, according to a report released Thursday by advocacy groups. The report, called Chain Reaction V, focuses on antibiotic use in both poultry and beef food items. Thus advocacy groups have turned to some of the largest buyers of raw beef and chicken -- restaurants -- and asked them to use their purchasing power to force change. McDonald's is in the pilot phase of their commitment, Brook said, with plans to announce reduction targets by the end of 2020. "They're cutting one drug by 20% in less than a third of their beef supply.
McDonald's shares slip as competition heats up
Read full article: McDonald's shares slip as competition heats upJustin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - Growth at McDonald's slowed in the third quarter, suggesting that the chain is feeling the heat from competitors who are getting aggressive on breakfast and plant-based menu items. To improve growth, McDonald's has been adding digital menu boards to stores, expanding delivery options and investing in AI tech for its drive-thrus, among other things. For instance, Wendy's is adding breakfast to its menu, investing $20 million and adding about 20,000 employees for the initiative. Others, like Burger King, are exploring plant-based menu options. McDonald's has plant-based options internationally and is testing a Beyond Burger in Canada, but has yet to test a meat substitute in the United States.
The McRib is back, but why doesn't McDonald's sell it year-round?
Read full article: The McRib is back, but why doesn't McDonald's sell it year-round?(CNN) - McDonald's McRib is back again. For example, when the weather turns colder, Starbucks customers habitually get excited about Pumpkin Spice Lattes. When Starbucks announced the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte last year, it also unveiled the Teavana Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte. And Chernev pointed out that seasonal menu items mean brands have something new to talk about every quarter. Hottovy explained that sales typically rise for a short time when companies unveil seasonal items.
McDonald's is bringing back its popular Donut Sticks
Read full article: McDonald's is bringing back its popular Donut SticksThe burger chain is bringing back its popular Donut Sticks and introducing a cinnamon cookie latte, its first seasonal drink in five years. Donut Sticks, fried dough rods that McDonald's added to its menu earlier this year, are returning Nov. 6 and will be available for a limited time throughout the holiday season. The Donut Sticks come six or a dozen in a pack, and they will be served warm with cinnamon and sugar. The Donut Sticks were a hit for McDonald's when they sold them earlier this year, and the company reported strong first-quarter earnings partly because of the new and limited time item. It is McDonald's first seasonal drink since 2014, when it started selling the white chocolate mocha latte.