1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-erlinger-7445b88/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-journal-mcdonalds-wants-to-offer-quality-and-value-can-it-do-both-2726742" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Joe Erlinger</a>, president of&nbsp;<a href="https://franchiseeform.mcdonalds.com/global-franchise/index.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-journal-mcdonalds-wants-to-offer-quality-and-value-can-it-do-both-2726742" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">McDonald’s</a> USA, was recently a guest on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mcdonalds-wants-to-offer-quality-and-value-can-it-do-both/id1469394914?i=1000661271247&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-journal-mcdonalds-wants-to-offer-quality-and-value-can-it-do-both-2726742" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Journal podcast</a>. He spoke with host&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-linebaugh-47879b5/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-journal-mcdonalds-wants-to-offer-quality-and-value-can-it-do-both-2726742" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kate Linebaugh</a> about the strategies McDonald's is employing to maintain customer satisfaction amidst rising prices and a growing demand for healthier food options.&nbsp;With nearly 90% of Americans eating at McDonald's at least once a year, Erlinger acknowledges the company has had to address the impact of inflation on its prices. However, when Linebaugh questioned Erlinger about a viral tweet from last year where a consumer paid $18 for a Big Mac meal at a rest stop in Connecticut, Erlinger explained that this instance in particular was an exception.“Because we're fully franchised, our restaurants set their own prices, our franchisees set their own prices, and so that's not representative of the value and affordability that we offer as a brand every day and that our customers seek from us,” he said.Most McDonald’s locations within the U.S. are run by franchisees who set their own menu prices, but amidst inflation, those prices are going up across the board — something Erlinger readily admitted is true.“I’ve acknowledged that actually in an&nbsp;<a href="https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/providing-meaningful-value-to-our-fans-with-a-side-of-facts.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-journal-mcdonalds-wants-to-offer-quality-and-value-can-it-do-both-2726742" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">open letter</a> that's available for anyone to check out on&nbsp;<a href="http://mcdonalds.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-journal-mcdonalds-wants-to-offer-quality-and-value-can-it-do-both-2726742" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">McDonalds.com</a>. And we did that at McDonald's because of all of this scrutiny and attention that we receive,” he said. “I think it's important for a brand like ours to be transparent, to be open, to be honest, especially because we touch so many communities.”To tackle the challenge of maintaining affordability, McDonald's recently introduced a $5 value meal, which includes a McDouble or McChicken, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries and a small soft drink. This initiative, originally successful in upstate New York, is now a national promotion.&nbsp;In response to evolving consumer preferences, McDonald's has made significant strides in improving the quality of its food. The company has reduced unnecessary preservatives and transitioned to cage-free eggs, among other changes. While some customers might miss the salads, which have not returned to the menu, Erlinger noted that McDonald’s will adapt if demand rises.Despite the push towards healthier options, the attempt to introduce a plant-based option — the McPlant — did not succeed in the U.S. market. Erlinger pointed out that customers prefer classic offerings like French fries and the new value meals over plant-based proteins.Additionally, McDonald’s is focusing on sustainability and responsible sourcing. Erlinger highlighted the company's efforts in sustainable agriculture and grazing practices to address climate change. He emphasized the need for McDonald’s to stay relevant to consumer needs, especially during economic uncertainty, ensuring that value and affordability remain central to their offerings.To listen to the full podcast,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mcdonalds-wants-to-offer-quality-and-value-can-it-do-both/id1469394914?i=1000661271247&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-journal-mcdonalds-wants-to-offer-quality-and-value-can-it-do-both-2726742" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">click here</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="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=the-journal-mcdonalds-wants-to-offer-quality-and-value-can-it-do-both-2726742" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.

McDonald’s Is Keeping Customers Happy Amid Rising Prices

1851 Franchise

McDonald’s is known for its affordability, but the impact of inflation is making that reputation difficult to maintain. Here is what the president of the brand has to say about the franchise’s most recent strategies. 

The Journal: McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality and Value. Can It Do Both?

the-journal-mcdonalds-wants-to-offer-quality-and-value-can-it-do-both

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Targets Chicago for Strategic Franchise Growth

sola-salons-targets-chicago-for-strategic-franchise-growth

Melting Pot

Photo of Melting Pot white chocolate fondue

How Melting Pot Franchisees Drive Year-Round Success Through Strategic Promotions and Local Marketing

melting-pot-franchise-year-round-success

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. - Technology Piece - CTO Nick Fontenot - May 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Crust Pizza Co. Builds the Future of Franchising With Tech-First Strategy

crust-pizza-co-technology-nick-fontenot-cto

Paris Baguette

Paris Baguette’s Recipe for Expansion: Leadership, Community and A Vision for 1,000 Cafés by 2030

paris-baguettes-recipe-for-expansion-leadership-community-and-a-vision-for-1000-cafes-by-2030

Seniors Helping Seniors®

Franchisee Spotlight with Billy and Anita Clark and Seniors Helping Seniors

Heart and Purpose: Couple Launch Seniors Helping Seniors® Franchise in Northern Arizona

heart-and-purpose-couple-launch-seniors-helping-seniors-franchise-in-northern-arizona

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

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands - 1851 Franchise

DoorDash Expansion Could Reshape Delivery and Operations for Franchise Brands

doordash-acquistions-deliveroo-sevenrooms

Crumbl Franchise Investment - TSG Consumer Partners -  1851 Franchise

TSG Consumer Partners Takes Minority Stake in Crumbl, Signaling Franchise Growth Potential

crumbl-franchise-investment-tsg-consumer

Yum Brands Reports Strong Q1 Results with Big Boost from Taco Bell

yum-brands-reports-strong-q1-results-with-big-boost-from-taco-bell

QSR: McDonald’s Gains Momentum With Chicken Innovation, Value Deals and Franchisee Support

mcdonalds-franchise-recovery-chicken-strategy-value-deals-2025

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

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

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

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

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

Franchisee spotlight image with photo of Robert Trujillo and UWRG logo on blue background

How Robert Trujillo Expanded His Construction Business With UWRG

how-robert-trujillo-expanded-his-construction-business-with-uwrg

District Taco Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-district-tacos-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: Building Your Brand’s Growth Machine

ultimate-guide-to-selling-franchises

The Journal: McDonald’s Wants To Offer Quality and Value. Can It Do Both?

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS