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

SweatHouz

SweatHouz SWTHZ Franchise - Hunter and Mallory Mitchem - Franchisee Feature - 1851 Franchise

From Aerospace to Wellness: Hunter Mitchem’s Journey to a SweatHouz Empire

sweathouz-franchise-hunter-mitchem-6g

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Onigilly - Low Operating Costs Drive High Returns for Franchisees - 1851 Franchise

Maximize Your ROI: How Onigilly’s Low Operating Costs Drive High Returns for Franchisees

onigilly-franchise-fast-casual-franchise-opportunity

Layne's Chicken Fingers

What Is the Layne’s Franchise Disclosure Document, and What Will I Find in It?

laynes-franchise-disclosure-document

Athletech News: How SWTHZ Delivers on Wellness Demands of All Kinds

swthz-delivers-wellness-demands-contrast-therapy

TruBlue Home Service Ally

Why Protected Territories Matter and How the TruBlue Franchise Delivers

why-protected-territories-matter-and-how-the-trublue-franchise-delivers

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

Bed Bath & Beyond - Franchise Expansion - Retail Strategy - 1851 Franchise

Bed Bath & Beyond Launches Franchise Model as Part of Comeback Strategy

bed-bath-beyond-franchise-expansion-retail-strategy

Senior Entrepreneurship - Franchising - 1851 Franchise

Senior Entrepreneurship Is Rising — And Franchising Is a Key Outlet

senior-entrepreneurship-franchising-silver-startups

U.S. Government Shutdown - Impact on Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Government Shutdown Stalls SBA Loans: How the Shutdown Could Impact Franchises

government-shutdown-impacts-sba-loans-tourism-franchises

Subway Franchisees Resist Expensive Remodel Directives

subway-franchisees-resist-expensive-remodel-directives

The American Franchise Act: What It Means for Franchisors and Franchisees - 1851 Franchise

The American Franchise Act: What It Means for Franchisors and Franchisees

american-franchise-act-joint-employer-standard

Power Eats: Smoothie King Rolls Out Food Nationwide To Fuel Franchise Growth

smoothie-king-food-menu-power-eats

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities - 1851 Franchise Agg

Health Care Hiring Slowdown Highlights In-Home Care Franchise Opportunities 

health-care-hiring-slowdown-in-home-care-franchise-opportunities

Friendly’s Parent Company Acquired by Multi-Unit Franchisee as More Owners Take the Lead in Brand Acquisitions 

friendlys-parent-company-acquired-by-multi-unit-franchisee-as-more-owners-take-the-lead-in-brand-acquisitions

Top Education Franchises To Consider for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Education Franchises To Consider Investing In for 2025

top-education-franchises-investment-opportunities

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Early Childhood Education and Child Care Franchises for 2025

early-childhood-education-child-care-franchises

Top Enrichment and Supplemental Education Franchises for 2025

top-enrichment-supplemental-education-franchises

1851 Franchisee Spotlight with photo of Mike Rippey and Sola Salons logo

How This Former Franchisor Is Using His Industry Experience To Help Beauty Pros Thrive With Sola Salons Franchise

mike-rippey-sola-salons-franchisee

Top Arts and Creative Learning Franchises for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Top Arts and Creative Learning Franchises for 2025

top-arts-creative-learning-franchises

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

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS