McDonald’s Updates Franchising Standards to Prioritize Value Delivery
On December 8, 2025, McDonald’s announced enhancements to its global franchising standards, set to take effect January 1, 2026. The changes aim to hold franchisees accountable for delivering consistent, reliable value to customers amid economic pressures and shifting consumer spending habits. With about 95% of its 43,000+ restaurants worldwide operated by franchisees—who independently set prices—these updates represent a strategic push to regain traffic from budget-conscious diners.
Key Details of the Update
- Focus on Value Assessment: McDonald’s will introduce a “holistic” evaluation of franchisees’ pricing and operational decisions, measuring how effectively they provide value across the customer experience. This includes tools and guidance to tailor value offerings to local markets.
- Global Scope: The standards apply across all market segments, reinforcing “value leadership” as a core accountability metric.
- Rationale: The move addresses recent sales challenges, with McDonald’s rolling out initiatives like the McValue Menu to counter inflation and attract value-seeking customers.
Potential Franchisee Reactions
U.S. franchisees, already in tense negotiations with corporate over discount sustainability, may view this as added pressure. Advocacy groups have called for McDonald’s to share more financial burden for promotions, arguing that value-driven pricing impacts margins without proportional corporate support.
Broader Context
This aligns with McDonald’s ongoing franchise evolution, including past efforts to diversify ownership and elevate performance metrics. In 2025, the company plans to open 2,200 new locations, largely funded by franchisees, while targeting 50,000 global restaurants by 2027. Median U.S. traditional restaurant sales reached $3.838 million in 2024, underscoring the model’s profitability when standards are met.
These changes could strengthen brand consistency but risk straining operator relations if not balanced with support.