McDonald's Tests New Low-Cost Bundles After Q3 Traffic Drop

McDonald's is introducing new value-oriented meal bundles in early 2027 following a third quarter where traffic at U.S. restaurants declined. The company aims to attract budget-conscious diners with specific price points that compete directly with other major fast food chains.

Chris Kempczinski, chairman and CEO of the Chicago-based company, announced the plans during an investor call on Wednesday. The new strategy involves an eight-week test at 1,900 U.S. locations. These bundles will offer fixed-price combinations, such as a McChicken sandwich with small fries for $3.50.

While the corporate test is underway, approximately 4,000 franchisees have already created their own similar deals. Kempczinski stated that customers need a clear and compelling value proposition whether they are buying a single item or a full meal. This move follows a 0.2% drop in U.S. same-store sales for the period from July to September. Although this decline was smaller than the 0.5% drop predicted by analysts, it marked the first decrease for the brand since early 2025.

The shift in marketing reflects the challenging economic environment for American consumers. Higher gas prices and the cost of living have pressured spending across the sector. Revenue Management Solutions reported that foot traffic for the entire U.S. fast food industry fell by 2.6% during the third quarter.

McDonald's has adjusted its value offerings for over two years to recapture lower-income customers. The company introduced the $5 Meal Deal in June 2024 and launched the McValue menu the following year. In April 2026, the menu was revamped to include ten items priced at $3 or less. However, adoption among franchisees has been uneven. Kempczinski noted in August that only 60% of U.S. restaurants offered the updated menu. The company also replaced its U.S. president in August of the same year.

Financial results for the quarter showed mixed signals. Global same-store sales rose by 1.3%, aided by strong performance in Germany and Australia. These gains offset weakness in France, where sales were affected by protests that began in September. Total revenue increased by 1% to $7.16 billion, falling short of the $7.28 billion expected by Wall Street.

Net income grew by 9% to $2.49 billion. After adjusting for one-time items, the company reported earnings of $3.57 per share. This figure exceeded the analyst forecast of $3.38 per share. McDonald's shares climbed more than 5% in morning trading on Wednesday.