One in Three McDonald's U.S. Restaurants Still Hasn't Launched Its Core Discount Menu

McDonald's U.S. same-store sales grew just 0.8% in Q2 2026 as traffic fell. CEO Kempczinski blamed inconsistent franchisee execution: only 60–65% of U.S. restaurants had implemented the "under $3 menu" by quarter's end. Average checks rose, but fewer customers visited. Management said domestic sales won't return to expectations until 2027, contingent on operational fixes.