McDonald's is rolling out its largest-ever training initiative, teaching all 2 million of its restaurant workers worldwide to recognize quality standards, including tasting the difference between a correctly made Big Mac and a substandard one. Chief People Officer Tiffanie Boyd said the program is part of the company's broader 'Next' strategy, which also covers store remodels, AI adoption and new menu items for GLP-1 drug users. In the U.S., some restaurant inspections have been replaced with coaching visits running through next March, prioritizing taste and quality before shift management and hospitality.
entrepreneur.com
· 2026-10-28
According to a Reuters investigation, McDonald's is using machine learning models that analyze millions of daily transactions to generate an 'optimal price' for menu items at nearly 14,000 US restaurants. Reuters found a Big Mac priced at $5.69 at one Fresno location and $6.89 at another just two miles away, a 21 percent difference, with three franchisees saying the AI tool has widened price gaps between nearby stores.
futurism.com
· 2026-10-04
Reuters reports that McDonald's has used an AI pricing tool since 2019 that analyzes transaction data from nearly 14,000 restaurants plus competitor pricing, such as Wendy's online menus, to recommend menu prices based on local customers' willingness to pay. Franchise owners told Reuters the system has produced price gaps of over 20% between nearby stores, and that the company calls franchisees to question deviations from recommended prices, despite stating that following the algorithm is optional.
techspot.com
· 2026-10-01
Reuters reports that McDonald's has deployed AI-based dynamic pricing tools across US and some global franchise locations, adjusting menu prices based on local 'customer willingness to pay.' Documents reviewed by Reuters show a Big Mac priced $5.69 at one Fresno store and $6.89 at another two miles away, and McDonald's now requires franchisees to 'constructively engage' with its approved pricing tools while tracking deviations from algorithmic recommendations.
engadget.com
· 2026-09-29
Domino's has launched a new single-serve Detroit-style pizza and is promoting it with a limited-time giveaway. Customers who show a receipt from a competing fast-food chain, such as McDonald's or Burger King, can redeem the new pizza item for free during the promotional window.
fastcompany.com
· 2026-09-01
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