McDonald’s is planning major changes for 2026, including a revamped menu and faster drive-thrus powered by new AI technology.
McDonald’s is planning a major expansion, with hopes of opening 8,000 new restaurants worldwide before the end of this year. They’re aiming even higher, with a goal of reaching 50,000 locations globally by 2027.
The new McDonald’s locations will offer an improved experience thanks to upgrades to kitchens and drive-thrus, according to Mashed.
McDonald’s turns to AI for drive-thru and kitchen advancements
According to Mashed, the restaurant chain is planning a big upgrade to its kitchens using new technology from Google Cloud. This initiative is being spearheaded by Jill McDonald, who is joining as the new Chief Restaurant Experience Officer.
This plan uses artificial intelligence to monitor equipment, foresee potential breakdowns, and automatically change cooking times to match the current volume of orders.
These tools help businesses minimize disruptions, serve customers faster during busy periods, and decrease food waste when things are slow.
Mashed believes these updates will reduce equipment failures, meaning customers will be able to enjoy their favorite ice cream and other treats more consistently.
In 2026, McDonald’s plans to launch an upgraded AI system, built with Google Cloud, to improve order accuracy, make service faster, and proactively identify potential issues with equipment or orders. The new system will be much better at processing information quickly and accurately, even in busy drive-thrus.
McDonald’s is updating its drive-thrus to be faster and more convenient. They’re building some with up to three lanes, including special lanes for customers who order ahead on their phones. This is a big investment in drive-thru service, which already accounts for about 70% of all McDonald’s orders. The company plans to remodel around 27,000 locations with these new features.
While some fast-food chains are reducing their use of AI, this restaurant is enhancing its AI drive-thru technology. Taco Bell, for example, scaled back its AI drive-thru plans after videos surfaced online showing how easily the system could be disrupted by users.
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2026-01-20 19:50