https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/mcdonald-s-bets-on-hand-breaded-chicken-ai-drive-throughs-to-fend-off-burger-kingContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/mcdonald-s-bets-on-hand-breaded-chicken-ai-drive-throughs-to-fend-off-burger-kinghttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/mcdonald-s-bets-on-hand-breaded-chicken-ai-drive-throughs-to-fend-off-burger-king#u83957Fri, 25 Sep 2026 15:50:04 +0000McDonald's is launching an $8.5 billion modernization plan through 2036, betting heavily on hand-breaded chicken and AI drive-throughs to fend off competitors like Burger King and KFC. The fast-food giant aims to win back diners as beef prices soar and Gen Z flocks to fried chicken. Alongside restaurant upgrades and staff training, the massive financial commitment includes multibillion-dollar investments to help franchisees drive growth. Despite these strategic moves, the company warns that traffic recovery may lag behind its modernization efforts.Why it mattersThe sweeping modernization