McDonald's plans to commit approximately $8.5 billion in franchisee support through 2036 under its McDonald's > NEXT strategy, including roughly $5 billion by 2030 for rent relief, restaurant upgrades, technology and operational improvements. The overhaul includes broader deployment of ArchIQ artificial intelligence, order-accuracy technology, redesigned kitchens and employee initiatives, as the company seeks to improve service and restaurant economics rather than rely on heavier discounting. McDonald's is also expanding its focus on chicken, beverages and higher-protein or smaller-portion meals, including tests of bowls, egg bites and additional grilled chicken options. It has identified about 60 million protein-focused Americans and 30 million GLP-1 users as potential growth audiences, while targeting 1.5 percentage points of additional market share in chicken and beverages by 2030 and maintaining its beef leadership. The company estimates the changes could deliver about 250 basis points of restaurant-level efficiency, equivalent to roughly $100,000 in annual cash flow for the average U.S. restaurant. Investors reacted negatively to the spending plan and inflation warning: McDonald's shares fell 4.81% on Sept. 23 to close at $238.32 after reaching $234.03 intraday, while Reuters reported a decline of as much as 6.5%.