Oct 17, 2006

Europe's Big Mac Improvement

The October 13, 2006 edition of the Toronto Star reports that U.S. restaurants are the strongest contributors to McDonald's three-year streak of improved results. Three factors have propelled McDonald's rejuvenation:

  • Extended restaurant hours (some stores are now open 24/7)
  • Popularity of breakfast items (including coffee & muffin combos)
  • New products (like burritos and specialty salads).

Growth of McDonald sales was particularly strong in Germany, France and Britain. Overall, European same-store sales jumped 9% in September and rose 7.6% in the quarter.

Same-store sales in Asia, the Mideast and Africa increased 6.6% in September.