McDonald’s has pledged to spend about $8.5 billion over the next decade to help modernize restaurants and improve operations as the fast-food giant seeks to attract more customers.
The money will fund restaurant upgrades as well as rent relief for franchisees, the company said on Sept. 23. About $5 billion of that support is expected to be spent by 2030, with the remainder coming through 2036.
The investment is part of a broader growth strategy dubbed “NEXT,” which includes changes to restaurant design, menus, technology, and customer service.
McDonald’s estimates that the improvements could eventually generate about $100,000 in additional annual cash flow for the average U.S. restaurant once fully implemented. Franchisees are expected to recoup their share of the investment in about four years after receiving support from the company….