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

Crust Pizza Co.

Giving Back One Slice at a Time: Crust Pizza Co. Raises Over $100,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 

giving-back-one-slice-at-a-time-crust-pizza-co-raises-over-100000-for-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital

Pool Scouts

Pool Scouts Franchise - Tiffiny Consoli - Entrepreneur Agg - 1851 Franchise

Entrepreneur: No Experience? No Problem. How This First-Time Franchisee Built a $3 Million Business

pool-scouts-franchise-tiffiny-consoli

Strategic Franchising

Photo of two customers, with two dogs, and an employee in a Pet Wants location

How Franchisees Are Building Local Impact and Creating Jobs in Their Communities

how-franchisees-are-building-local-impact-and-creating-jobs-in-their-communities

Woodhouse Spas

photo of Woodhouse Spa front desk with flowers, greenery, and pendant lights

Woodhouse Spas Opportunity: The Path To Successful Franchise Ownership

premium-wellness-franchise-woodhouse-spas

photo of woodhouse spas franchise owner standing, smiling, in the business

How This Woodhouse Spas Owner Achieved a Successful Opening

how-this-woodhouse-spas-owner-achieved-a-successful-opening

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

Roof Scientist Launches Franchise Opportunity, Revolutionizing Roof Preservation with Innovative Technology

roof-scientist-launches-franchise-opportunity-revolutionizing-roof-preservation-with-innovative-technology

Restaurant Business: How McDonald's Is Restructuring To Compete With Specialized Chains

restaurant-business-how-mcdonalds-is-restructuring-to-compete-with-specialized-chains

Design with hundred dollar bill and orange "recession" banner across the middle

ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

recession-risks-impact-economy-franchise-world

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

The Joint Chiropractic - Dr. Anthony Tran - IFA Franchisee of the Year - 1851 Franchise

The Joint Chiropractic’s Dr. Anthony Tran Named Franchisee of the Year by the IFA

joint-chiropractic-dr-anthony-tran-ifa

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

Photo of a basket of chicken wings with dipping sauce and celery

RestaurantNews: Franchisees File Comprehensive Legal Complaint Against Hurricane AMT

restaurantnews-franchisees-file-comprehensive-legal-complaint-against-hurricane-amt

I Heart Mac and Cheese - Franchisees Sue I Heart Mac and Cheese - Franchise News - 1851 Franchise

Restaurant Business Online: Franchisees Sue I Heart Mac and Cheese

restaurant-business-online-franchisees-sue-i-heart-mac-and-cheese

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

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

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

The Top Quick Service Restaurant Franchises for 2025

the-top-quick-service-restaurant-franchises

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Concepts to Consider in 2025

top-emerging-restaurant-concepts-to-consider

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

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS