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

Famous Dave's

Famous Dave’s Rolls Out Smaller Prototype To Expand Access and Lower Costs for Franchisees

Franchise Times: Famous Dave’s Rolls Out Smaller Prototype To Expand Access and Lower Costs for Franchisees

famous-daves-small-footprint-franchise-prototype

Strategic Franchising

Are You Ready for Franchise Ownership? Self-Assessment Checklist

are-you-ready-for-franchise-ownership-self-assessment-checklist

Pet Wants

New to Franchising? Here’s Why Pet Wants Is a Great Place to Start

new-to-franchising-heres-why-pet-wants-is-a-great-place-to-start

Understanding the Franchise Fee: What It Covers and Why It’s Worth It

understanding-the-franchise-fee-what-it-covers-and-why-its-worth-it

Right at Home

NorthcentralPa.com: Right at Home Targets Expansion in State College, Pennsylvania

right-at-home-franchise-expands-to-state-college-pa

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 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

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

Jersey Mike's - Blackstone - Global Growth - 1851 Franchise

Jersey Mike’s Ramps Up Global Growth Following Blackstone Acquisition

jersey-mikes-blackstone-growth

Layoffs Surge to Pandemic-Era Highs, Opening Doors for Franchise Growth

layoffs-surge-to-pandemic-era-highs-opening-doors-for-franchise-growth

FAT Brands Becomes First Restaurant Franchise To Accept Bitcoin for Royalty Payments

fat-brands-becomes-first-restaurant-franchise-to-accept-bitcoin-for-royalty-payments

Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs To Retire in 2026 After 36 Years With the Company

yum-brands-ceo-david-gibbs-to-retire-in-2026-after-36-years-with-the-company

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

Franchising Outpaces Economic Estimates - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Franchising Outpaces Broader Economy for Second Consecutive Year

franchising-outpaces-broader-economy-for-second-consecutive-year

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Amanda Moore and USA Ninja Challenge logo

Neonatal ICU Nurse’s Passion for Caring for Children Led Her to Franchise With USA Ninja Challenge

usa-ninja-challenge-amanda-moore-franchise

franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Venetya Evans and Sylvan Learning logo

IT Leader Celebrates One Year of Sylvan Learning in Simi Valley: A Passion for Education and Technology Drives Her Mission to Help Students Succeed

it-leader-celebrates-one-year-of-sylvan-learning-in-simi-valley

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS