McDonald's to invest $8.5 billion to modernize its restaurants

McDonald's said on Wednesday that it will invest $8.5 billion over the next decade to modernize its 46,000 restaurants around the world, according to the newspaper Clarín. The move aims to improve restaurant productivity and respond to a shift in consumer habits driven by medical treatments.

Traffic at the chain's outlets remains stagnant in markets such as the United States, so the company needs to win back share from its competitors, said Chris Kempczinski, the company's president and chief executive, during a meeting with investors in Chicago. The strategy includes automating inventory management and shift scheduling.

The company plans to expand its product range with higher-protein options to adapt to new market demands. According to Skye Anderson, the company's president in the United States, roughly 30 million Americans currently use GLP-1 medications for weight loss, which is driving demand for smaller, protein-rich meals.

In addition, the company's internal research shows that 60 million people in that country are actively seeking to increase the protein in their daily diets. This trend is motivating the addition of grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps, as well as tests of portion-adjusted offerings.

As part of the modernization plan, the company said its AI-powered order-taking system already operates with 90% accuracy in both Spanish and English. The company's shares fell nearly 5% on Wednesday following the announcement of the investments.