McDonald's to Invest $8.5 Billion in Global Restaurant Modernization Through 2036

McDonald's (MCD) announced on Sept. 23, 2026, it will spend $8.5 billion over the next decade to modernize its restaurants globally, while adding grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps to capture health-conscious customers. The Chicago-based chain said the overhaul includes delivery lockers, expanded coffee preparation areas, larger play spaces and redesigned kitchens. Order-accuracy scales, currently in 10,000 locations, will reach 20,000 restaurants by 2028. McDonald's is also accelerating deployment of ArchIQ, its AI ordering system developed with Google, for inventory management and scheduling. McDonald's USA President Sky Anderson said roughly 30 million Americans now use GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, driving demand for smaller, protein-dense meals, while 60 million actively seek more protein. Franchisees, who typically spend up to $450,000 per decade on mandated remodels, will pay an additional $800,000 under the plan. McDonald's said it will cover a portion of that cost.