Is your neighborhood next? McDonald’s announces growth spree that you might see soon!
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If you thought you’d seen the last of the golden arches popping up in your town, think again! McDonald’s, the world’s most iconic fast-food chain, just dropped a whopper of an announcement: they’re planning to open a staggering 900 new locations across the United States by 2027.
That’s right—whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet suburb, there’s a good chance a brand-new McDonald’s could be coming to a street near you.
But why is McDonald’s doubling down on expansion now, especially after a tough financial quarter? Let’s dig into the details—and what it could mean for you and your neighborhood.
A Surprising Move After a Rocky Quarter
You might be scratching your head at this news, especially if you caught the recent headlines about McDonald’s less-than-stellar earnings.
The company’s latest quarterly report revealed a 3.6% drop in same-store sales—the biggest dip since the pandemic’s early days in 2020. Some financial experts even dubbed it a sign of a looming “McRecession.”
But instead of tightening their belts, McDonald’s is going big.
Their new plan? Not only will they add 900 new restaurants to their already massive US footprint (currently at 13,500 locations), but they’re also launching a hiring spree to bring on 375,000 new employees this summer alone.
Why Expand Now? The Strategy Behind the Sizzle
So, what’s behind this bold move?
For McDonald’s, it’s all about playing the long game. By investing in new locations and jobs, the company is betting that Americans’ love affair with fast, affordable food isn’t going anywhere.
In fact, with rising grocery prices and busy lifestyles, more people may be turning to quick-service restaurants for convenience and value.
US Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who joined McDonald’s US President Joe Erlinger for the big announcement in Ohio, put it this way: “McDonald’s is sparking a ripple effect of prosperity for our workers, communities, and the economy.” The hope is that these new jobs and restaurants will boost local economies, provide career opportunities, and set a new standard for industry growth.
Also read: Is McDonald’s turning its back on diversity? See the surprising changes they’re making!
What Does This Mean for Job Seekers?
If you or someone you know is looking for work—or maybe just a change of pace—this could be a golden opportunity.
McDonald’s is hiring for permanent positions, not just summer gigs, and they’re touting the chance to build lifelong skills, pursue education, and climb the career ladder.
In fact, McDonald’s has a long history of being a “first job” for millions of Americans. Their Archways to Opportunity program, now in its tenth year, offers employees access to education, tuition assistance, and career development.
As Michael Gonda, McDonald’s Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, puts it: “Behind every counter and Drive Thru window is a story of someone building skills, pursuing education, or working towards their future ambition.”
Also read: Mark your calendars: McDonald’s fan-favorite menu item is making a comeback—Find out when!
The company expects its total workforce to hover around 1.1 million by the end of the summer, accounting for the natural ebb and flow of employees in the fast-food industry.
Still, this is the largest hiring push since 2020, when McDonald’s added 260,000 workers as restaurants reopened after COVID-19 shutdowns.
How Will This Expansion Impact Your Community?
For many towns and neighborhoods, a new McDonald’s can be a mixed bag. On one hand, it means more jobs, increased tax revenue, and a familiar place to grab a quick bite.
On the other, some worry about increased traffic, competition for local eateries, and the ever-present debate over fast food’s role in our diets.
Image source: Mint / Youtube.
But there’s no denying the economic impact. Each new McDonald’s location typically brings dozens of jobs, from crew members to managers, and can serve as a stepping stone for young people and those re-entering the workforce.
Plus, the company’s focus on training and advancement means that a job flipping burgers could turn into a long-term career.
“I often think about the time I spent working in our restaurants as a General Manager, and it was immediately clear that crew members are the heart and soul of this brand,” said Erlinger. “They go above and beyond to take care of our customers, and it's our job to take care of and create opportunities for them. When you put on an apron for a shift at McDonald's, you're building skills you'll carry with you for life.”
Read next: A fan-favorite Costco dinner is back—here’s why shoppers are excited
What do you think about McDonald’s big expansion? Is it good news for your community, or do you have concerns? Have you or someone you know worked at McDonald’s—what was your experience like? And what’s your go-to order when you visit? Share your thoughts, memories, and opinions in the comments below!
That’s right—whether you’re in a bustling city or a quiet suburb, there’s a good chance a brand-new McDonald’s could be coming to a street near you.
But why is McDonald’s doubling down on expansion now, especially after a tough financial quarter? Let’s dig into the details—and what it could mean for you and your neighborhood.
A Surprising Move After a Rocky Quarter
You might be scratching your head at this news, especially if you caught the recent headlines about McDonald’s less-than-stellar earnings.
The company’s latest quarterly report revealed a 3.6% drop in same-store sales—the biggest dip since the pandemic’s early days in 2020. Some financial experts even dubbed it a sign of a looming “McRecession.”
But instead of tightening their belts, McDonald’s is going big.
Their new plan? Not only will they add 900 new restaurants to their already massive US footprint (currently at 13,500 locations), but they’re also launching a hiring spree to bring on 375,000 new employees this summer alone.
McDonald’s has announced plans to open 900 new locations across the United States by 2027, despite reporting a significant quarterly sales drop. Image source: Boshoku / Unsplash.
Why Expand Now? The Strategy Behind the Sizzle
So, what’s behind this bold move?
For McDonald’s, it’s all about playing the long game. By investing in new locations and jobs, the company is betting that Americans’ love affair with fast, affordable food isn’t going anywhere.
In fact, with rising grocery prices and busy lifestyles, more people may be turning to quick-service restaurants for convenience and value.
US Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who joined McDonald’s US President Joe Erlinger for the big announcement in Ohio, put it this way: “McDonald’s is sparking a ripple effect of prosperity for our workers, communities, and the economy.” The hope is that these new jobs and restaurants will boost local economies, provide career opportunities, and set a new standard for industry growth.
Also read: Is McDonald’s turning its back on diversity? See the surprising changes they’re making!
What Does This Mean for Job Seekers?
If you or someone you know is looking for work—or maybe just a change of pace—this could be a golden opportunity.
McDonald’s is hiring for permanent positions, not just summer gigs, and they’re touting the chance to build lifelong skills, pursue education, and climb the career ladder.
In fact, McDonald’s has a long history of being a “first job” for millions of Americans. Their Archways to Opportunity program, now in its tenth year, offers employees access to education, tuition assistance, and career development.
As Michael Gonda, McDonald’s Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, puts it: “Behind every counter and Drive Thru window is a story of someone building skills, pursuing education, or working towards their future ambition.”
Also read: Mark your calendars: McDonald’s fan-favorite menu item is making a comeback—Find out when!
The company expects its total workforce to hover around 1.1 million by the end of the summer, accounting for the natural ebb and flow of employees in the fast-food industry.
Still, this is the largest hiring push since 2020, when McDonald’s added 260,000 workers as restaurants reopened after COVID-19 shutdowns.
How Will This Expansion Impact Your Community?
For many towns and neighborhoods, a new McDonald’s can be a mixed bag. On one hand, it means more jobs, increased tax revenue, and a familiar place to grab a quick bite.
On the other, some worry about increased traffic, competition for local eateries, and the ever-present debate over fast food’s role in our diets.
Image source: Mint / Youtube.
But there’s no denying the economic impact. Each new McDonald’s location typically brings dozens of jobs, from crew members to managers, and can serve as a stepping stone for young people and those re-entering the workforce.
Plus, the company’s focus on training and advancement means that a job flipping burgers could turn into a long-term career.
“I often think about the time I spent working in our restaurants as a General Manager, and it was immediately clear that crew members are the heart and soul of this brand,” said Erlinger. “They go above and beyond to take care of our customers, and it's our job to take care of and create opportunities for them. When you put on an apron for a shift at McDonald's, you're building skills you'll carry with you for life.”
Read next: A fan-favorite Costco dinner is back—here’s why shoppers are excited
What do you think about McDonald’s big expansion? Is it good news for your community, or do you have concerns? Have you or someone you know worked at McDonald’s—what was your experience like? And what’s your go-to order when you visit? Share your thoughts, memories, and opinions in the comments below!
