How McDonald's Plans To Survive The Times With Artificial Intelligence (And Higher Prices)

It’s one of the largest global household brands, and it’s survived the changes that come along with serving customers for nearly 70 years.

McDonald’s

McDonald’s is the world’s largest global corporation and serves customers on six continents — and has even had partnerships with brands like Disney (Who remembers THOSE days?), Krispie Kreme, and numerous celebrities. McDonald’s has successfully remained a fan-favorite fast food chain for several decades now, and according to McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski, the brand has no intention of slowing down when it comes to innovation.

Recently, we’ve seen that menu changes would come soon to McDonald’s, increasing the quality of food and therefore pricing. However, McDonald’s is also seeking to increase the quality of user experience based on trends regarding mobile order, pick-up, and dine-in habits.

McDonald’s

Kempczinski shared in an interview with Squawk on the Street NBC that around 40% of global McDonald’s sales are completely digital, and the time has come to tune into these user preferences by exploring the restaurant and hospitality options surrounding artificial intelligence (AI). But, that’s also due in part to higher prices as well.

McDonald’s via Newsweek

Kempczinski said that the company would soon begin piloting automated order-taking through voice recognition, and that when it comes to AI, McDonald’s is “learning just like everybody else.”

As he put it, “The McDonald’s restaurant as you know it is going to evolve over time.” He shared that traditional McDonald’s restaurants will stick around, but there’s an opportunity to think about innovating and changing the physical layouts of McDonald’s restaurants for a “digital world.”

McDonald’s

McDonald’s is also experimenting with a restaurant in Dallas that has no indoor dining and focuses only on mobile order and pickup via drive-thru.

And, you’re not alone if you’ve noticed your McDonald’s orders getting more expensive. Price increases have helped the company, but some are pushing back. McDonald’s reported “higher-than-expected sales” in their first quarter as traffic to their stores grew, despite those price increases, according to the Associated Press.

Adults Happy Meal at McDonald’s

“The McDonald’s restaurant as you know it is going to evolve over time,” Kempczinski said.

McDonald’s Fries

Well, we’ll be sure to keep you all updated with all the changes that come along. Don’t forget to stay tuned and follow along for more Disney and food-related news, and click the link below to check out some McDonald’s Happy Meal toys that came out recently.

Click here to check out some recent McDonald’s Happy Meal toys

Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!

WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.

Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!

Do you go to McDonald’s frequently? Let us know in the comments!