McDonald's pledges $8.5 billion for restaurant overhaul through 2036

McDonald's detailed its McDonald's > NEXT growth strategy and announced new financial targets at an investor day at its Chicago headquarters on Wednesday, including a plan to provide roughly $8.5 billion in support to franchisees through 2036 to fund restaurant upgrades, technology deployment, and operational improvements. Of that total, the company said approximately $5 billion will flow to franchisees by 2030, taking the form of rent relief and direct capital contributions. The company projects the program's efficiency gains will add approximately $100,000 to the annual cash flow of a typical U.S. restaurant, with franchisees expected to recoup their net investment within roughly four years once the company's support is factored in.