McDonald's is rebuilding its US value strategy after comparable sales growth slowed to 0.8% in the second quarter of 2026, while global comparable sales rose 1.3%. The company is working with franchisees on a longer-term affordability framework and using temporary menu items and digital promotions as a near-term bridge, including a $2 breakfast sandwich and free fries with a minimum $1 purchase. The effort is Skye Anderson's first major initiative since becoming president of McDonald's USA last month, succeeding Joe Erlinger. Higher average checks masked fewer visits globally, and US traffic turned slightly negative in July amid execution issues and menu-strategy missteps. McDonald's stock has fallen roughly 19% this year, while competition from Burger King has intensified. Management will present its McDonald's > NEXT strategy at an investor day in Chicago on September 23. The reset also includes targeted employee training, a pause in some ad hoc store visits through March 31, and a renewed focus on service consistency and franchisee alignment.