1851

1851 Franchise recently reported that&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-mcdonalds-is-pushing-forward-despite-sales-challenges-2728492#stories">McDonald’s was navigating a difficult economic climate</a> by leveraging value-driven promotions and operational adjustments to counteract declining sales. New data reveals that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/mcdonalds-mcd-q4-earnings-report-2024-84dafb01?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues-2728574" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">U.S. same-store sales fell 1.4% in the fourth quarter of 2024</a>, marking the company’s first domestic sales decline in nearly four years. The downturn is largely attributed to reduced customer spending per visit and the lingering impact of an&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/fast-food-chains-recall-onions-amid-e-coli-outbreak-linked-to-mcdonalds-2727745#stories">E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions</a> on Quarter Pounders, which resulted in one fatality and significant financial losses for franchisees.The&nbsp;<a href="https://nationalownersassociation.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues-2728574" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">National Owners Association</a>, an independent group representing McDonald’s franchisees, estimates that operators collectively lost more than $200 million due to the E. coli outbreak. In response,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/mcdonalds-commits-100-million-to-aid-franchisees-and-rebuild-trust-after-e-coli-outbreak-2727950#stories">McDonald’s has committed $100 million to U.S. operations</a>, aiming to provide relief to franchisees and fund efforts to rebuild consumer confidence. Despite this investment, many franchisees remain under financial pressure. While McDonald’s has doubled down on affordability through a $5 meal deal and other value-based promotions<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchisees-split-on-mcdonalds-5-meal-deal-extension-2726826#stories">, some franchisees express concerns about eroding margins and whether these initiatives will be sufficient to reverse sales declines</a>.Despite these challenges, McDonald’s remains committed to expansion, with plans to open&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bakingbusiness.com/articles/63221-mcdonalds-eyes-2025-growth-after-challenging-year?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues-2728574" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">2,200 new locations globally in 2025, including 600 in the U.S.</a> While this signals confidence in the brand’s future, it also creates new challenges for existing franchisees who must balance increased competition, rising operational costs, and evolving consumer expectations. As McDonald’s pushes forward, its ability to support franchisees in navigating these headwinds will be critical to the brand’s long-term stability.You can read perspectives on the topic from industry players in this&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/mcdonalds-sales-show-steep-decline-7170818/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues-2728574" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LinkedIn News article</a>.Every great franchisee had help buying a franchise. Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues-2728574" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

1851 Agg - McDonald's Sales Decline Expansion Continues - 1851 Franchise

McDonald’s Franchisees Face Challenges as Sales Decline Amid Expansion

1851 Franchise

McDonald’s franchisees face financial strain as sales decline, value promotions squeeze margins and expansion adds competitive pressures amid ongoing challenges.

McDonald’s Franchisees Feel the Pressure as Sales Decline and Expansion Continues

mcdonalds-franchisees-feel-the-pressure-as-sales-decline-and-expansion-continues

Fresh Coat

Photo of Fresh Coat owner standing by branded vehicle

What Every Franchisee Should Know About Expanding Into the Commercial Industry With Fresh Coat Painters

commercial-painting-support

Paris Baguette

Photo of Paris Baguette spread of sandwiches, chips, salad and beverage

Paris Baguette Expands With Over 225 New Cafés Awarded, Almost 60 New Openings at Q3 Close

q3-growth-records

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Photo of Layne's restaurant with red light around the top of the building

Doing Your Homework: How to Perform Due Diligence Before Becoming a Layne’s Franchisee

franchise-due-diligence

BooXkeeping

BooXkeeping Welcomes New Franchisees Alejandra Hernandez and Sandrine Rattier in San Diego, California

booxkeeping-welcomes-new-franchisees-alejandra-hernandez-and-sandrine-rattier-in-san-diego-california

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue and Lifewise Partner To Deliver Safer, Healthier Homes for Seniors

trublue-and-lifewise-partner-to-deliver-safer-healthier-homes-for-seniors

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

houses, Why Top Franchises of 2025 Outperform Independent Businesses

Why the Top Franchises of 2025 Outperform Independent Businesses

how-franchises-outperform-independent-business-2025-tech-data

Photo of Happinest Brands teams standing together in front of branded vehicles

Happinest Brands Continues Strong 2025 Trajectory With Major Q3 Growth and Strategic Wins

happinest-brands-q3-franchise-growth

Franchise Owners Step Up To Support Communities During Government Shutdown - 1851 Franchise

Franchise Owners Step Up To Support Communities During Government Shutdown

franchise-community-support-shutdown

Slim Chickens Opens R&D Center at World Headquarters To Drive Menu Innovation

slim-chickens-rd-center-fayetteville

Nearly 40% of Americans Are Eating Out Less as High Prices Redefine Dining Habits

nearly-40-of-americans-are-eating-out-less-as-high-prices-redefine-dining-habits

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

McDonald’s Franchisees Feel the Pressure as Sales Decline and Expansion Continues

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS