MCDONALD’S could make a big change to menus as part of a huge shake-up involving job cuts.
The restaurant giant could streamline its menus globally as part of its restructuring drive.
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It comes as The Wall Street Journal reports that McDonald’s has temporarily shut all US Offices as it prepares to issue layoff notices.
The Chicago-based fast-food chain said in an internal email last week to US employees and some international staff that they should work from home from Monday through Wednesday so it can deliver staffing decisions virtually.
“During the week of April 3, we will communicate key decisions related to roles and staffing levels across the organization,” the company said in the message viewed by The Wall Street Journal.
In January McDonald’s said that it planned to make “difficult” decisions about changes to its corporate staffing levels by April, as part of a broader strategic plan for the burger chain.
But staffing levels are only one part of the restructuring process.
Chris Kempczinski, the fast food chain’s chief executive also discussed plans to simplify the number of products offered as well as revamp its global technology to help reduce McDonald’s overall operating costs.
McDonald’s franchise-based model means different regions can customise their menus beyond core items like Big Macs and McNuggets.
That’s why when you travel to places like India you’ll be offered a Chicken Maharaja Mac, or in the Middle East a McArabia Chicken instead of a UK-formulated Mayo Chicken.
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In a letter to staff on January 6, the boss wrote: “We had across the globe 70 different, distinct versions of what a crispy chicken sandwich would look like.”
“I don’t need 70 different permutations of a chicken sandwich.”
McDonald’s has more than 150,000 employees in corporate roles – 70% of which are based outside of the US.
The company’s global sales rose by 11% in 2022 and its total restaurant margins grew by 5% in the same financial year.
It’s not clear yet how the shake-up at McDonald’s could affect staff or menus in the UK.
We’ve contacted McDonald’s for comment.
The brand makes regular menu changes adding and removing selected items from its menus regularly.
Just last week the restaurant chain brought back three popular items as well as a brand new burger in the UK.
The much-loved Chicken Big Mac, mozzarella dippers and the restaurant’s Easter favourites – the Creme Egg and the Caramel Egg McFlurry – all returned to restaurants.
McDonald’s also introduced the brand new Steakhouse Stack for £5.39 by itself or £6.99 as a meal.
It contains two beef patties, a slice of cheddar cheese, crispy onions, red onions, and lettuce topped with a creamy peppercorn sauce in a toasted bun.
