McDonald’s is testing ads on its drive-thru menus
McDonald's is testing third-party advertisements on digital drive-thru menu boards while expanding its AI voice assistant. This automation push coincides with a federal class action lawsuit in Chicago. The suit alleges the company used an AI-powered system to illegally coordinate menu prices between franchised and company-owned stores. McDonald's denies these claims via its website, asserting that AI does not determine the price of any menu items. These strategic shifts follow reduced earnings expectations and weak traffic in the U.S. market.
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- ✓ McDonald's is testing third-party advertising on digital menu boards.
- ✓ The company is expanding its AI voice assistant for drive-thrus.
- ✓ A federal class action lawsuit in Chicago alleges McDonald's used AI to illegally coordinate menu prices.
- ✓ McDonald's stated on its website that AI does not set the price of any menu items.
What changed
No new factual developments were provided in the latest source material.
Live updates
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McDonald's Tests Drive-Thru Advertising Amid AI Pricing Lawsuit
McDonald's is testing third-party advertisements on digital drive-thru menu boards while expanding its AI voice assistant. This automation push coincides with a federal class action lawsuit in Chicago. The suit alleges the company used an AI-powered system to illegally coordinate menu prices between franchised and company-owned stores. McDonald's denies these claims via its website, asserting that AI does not determine the price of any menu items. These strategic shifts follow reduced earnings expectations and weak traffic in the U.S. market.
Why it matters
The company is attempting to find new revenue streams and operational efficiencies through digital advertising and automation. These efforts occur as investors monitor declining domestic customer traffic. The legal dispute over AI pricing centers on whether the company violated antitrust or pricing laws.
What is confirmed
- McDonald's is testing third-party advertising on digital menu boards.
- The company is expanding its AI voice assistant for drive-thrus.
- A federal class action lawsuit in Chicago alleges McDonald's used AI to illegally coordinate menu prices.
- McDonald's stated on its website that AI does not set the price of any menu items.
What to watch next
- Court rulings or settlements regarding the Chicago AI pricing lawsuit
- Official rollout dates for drive-thru advertising beyond the testing phase
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
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McDonald's Expands AI Drive-Thru Tech Amid Price-Fixing Lawsuit
McDonald's is expanding its AI voice assistant for drive-thrus while continuing to test third-party advertising on digital menu boards. This push toward automation occurs as the company faces a federal class action lawsuit in Chicago alleging it used an AI-powered pricing system to illegally coordinate menu prices across company-owned and franchised locations. McDonald's has denied these claims on its website, stating that AI does not set the price of any menu items. These developments come as investors react to weak U.S. traffic and reduced earnings expectations.
Why it matters
The company is attempting to build a $1 billion advertising business using loyalty data to target customers on screens and apps. This strategy aims to revive growth during a period of high inflation and poor execution that has deterred customers. Competitors like Chick-fil-A have diverged by maintaining human order takers.
What is confirmed
- McDonald's is expanding a new AI voice assistant for its drive-thrus.
- A proposed nationwide class action lawsuit in federal court in Chicago alleges McDonald's used an AI-powered pricing system to illegally coordinate menu prices.
- McDonald's stated on its website that AI does not set the price of a Big Mac or any other menu item.
- McDonald's shares are trading below their 200-week moving average by the widest margin since 2003.
Still unconfirmed
- High inflation and poor execution are turning off many of the burger giant's customers.
What to watch next
- Court rulings regarding the AI-powered pricing class action lawsuit
- Revenue reports from the third-party drive-thru advertising pilot
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (18)
- nypost.com — mcdonald's | Latest News | New York Post
- stockanalysis.com — McDonald's (MCD) Transcript: Investor Day 2026 - Stock Analysis
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- stocktwits.com — Why Are Nasdaq, Dow Futures Rising Premarket? SPCX, NVDA, CEG, AMD, ORCL, NOK In Focus
- stocktwits.com — MCD Stock’s Rough Year Gets Worse: AI Menu Pricing Claims Land McDonald’s In Antitrust Trouble
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- www.fool.com — The 2003 crisis: McDonald's fell 70% before its biggest turnaround
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- fortune.com — Chick-fil-A keeps human ordering as McDonald’s tests AI | Fortune
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McDonald's Expands Media Network to App and Self-Order Kiosks
McDonald's is building an internal advertising business by selling digital screen space to third parties. A pilot program is currently running across 450 company-owned U.S. restaurants, displaying ads on drive-thru order boards after customers finish ordering. While the company aims to generate $1 billion in revenue using loyalty data for targeting, the initiative has already drawn dissatisfaction from some customers. The company announced on September 23 that the advertising plan will extend beyond drive-thrus to include the McDonald's app and self-order kiosks.
Why it matters
This move represents a shift toward diversifying revenue streams through the McDonald's Media Network. The strategy leverages the high volume of foot and vehicle traffic at physical locations and digital touchpoints. It coincides with a broader $8.5 billion modernization push that includes AI integration.
What is confirmed
- McDonald's is piloting third-party ads on digital drive-thru boards at 450 company-owned U.S. restaurants.
- The company plans to expand its advertising business to include the mobile app and self-order kiosks.
- The advertising network aims to generate $1 billion in revenue.
Still unconfirmed
- McDonald's is accused of illegally coordinating menu prices between franchise and company-owned stores via artificial intelligence in a Chicago federal court lawsuit.
What to watch next
- Official rollout dates for app and kiosk advertising
- Company reports on revenue generated from the Media Network pilot
- Customer response data following the expansion of ad placements
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
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McDonald's tests third-party drive-thru ads to build $1 billion media network
McDonald's is piloting a third-party advertising network across 450 U.S. drive-thru locations. The company displays ads from other brands on digital menu boards after customers finish ordering. This initiative leverages loyalty data to target specific customers and aims to generate $1 billion in revenue. While the company seeks new growth through its McDonald's Media Network, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the presence of ads during the ordering process.
Why it matters
The company is diversifying its revenue streams by turning physical store assets into digital media inventory. This shift occurs alongside a larger investment in store and menu modifications to modernize the customer experience.
What is confirmed
- McDonald's is testing third-party ads on drive-thru screens at 450 U.S. locations.
- The McDonald's Media Network targets $1 billion in revenue.
Still unconfirmed
- McDonald's is spending $8.5 billion to implement an AI called Archy in drive-thrus following a failed first attempt.
What to watch next
- Expansion of the ad pilot beyond 450 locations
- Official revenue reports from the McDonald's Media Network
- Customer retention data following ad implementation
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- finance.yahoo.com — McDonald's is spending $8.5 billion to put an AI called Archy in drive-thrus — even after its first attempt failed
- capitaldigest.com — McDonald's Launches Drive-Thru Ad Network for $1B Revenue
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McDonald's tests ads on drive-thru menus at 450 locations
McDonald's is testing digital ads on drive-thru menus at 450 locations, showing ads from other brands on digital menu boards after customers place their orders. The move is part of the company's McDonald's Media Network initiative, aiming to generate $1 billion in revenue. Customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the new ads.
Why it matters
The introduction of ads on drive-thru menus marks a significant shift in McDonald's strategy to monetize its digital platforms. The company operates one of the world's largest restaurant chains, with 45,356 restaurants in over 100 countries. McDonald's Media Network initiative seeks to capitalize on its vast customer base and advertising potential.
What is confirmed
- McDonald's Corporation is an American multinational fast food restaurant chain.
- At the end of 2025, the McDonald's system comprised 45,356 restaurants in more than 100 countries.
- McDonald's is testing digital ads on drive-thru menus at 450 locations.
- The move is part of the company's McDonald's Media Network initiative, aiming to generate $1 billion in revenue.
What to watch next
- Customer reaction and potential impact on sales
- Expansion of McDonald's Media Network initiative to more locations
- Revenue generated from the McDonald's Media Network initiative
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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McDonald's tests ads on drive-thru menus
McDonald's is testing digital ads on drive-thru menus at 450 locations, showing ads from other brands on digital menu boards after customers place their orders. The move is part of the company's McDonald's Media Network initiative, aiming to generate $1 billion in revenue. Customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the new ads.
Why it matters
This development is part of McDonald's efforts to modernize and increase revenue through digital advertising, following in the footsteps of retail giants like Amazon and Walmart. The company is investing heavily in technology, including an $8.5 billion investment in modernization. The ads are displayed on digital menu boards, similar to YouTube videos.
What is confirmed
- McDonald's is testing digital ads on drive-thru menus at 450 locations.
- The ads appear on digital menu boards after customers place their orders.
- The initiative aims to generate $1 billion in revenue.
- McDonald's is investing $8.5 billion in technology and modernization.
What to watch next
- McDonald's customer response to the ads
- The impact on McDonald's revenue
- Expansion of the McDonald's Media Network initiative
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (15)
- thenextweb.com — McDonald’s tests Archy, an AI drive-thru voice for English and Spanish
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- nypost.com — McDonald’s is testing ads on drive-thru menus: 'it's like a YouTube video'
- jingletree.com — McDonald’s is testing ads on its drive-thru menus - Jingletree
- www.yahoo.com — 'I'm Done With McDonald's': Fast Food Fans Are Up In Arms Over The Chain's Latest Change
- www.ign.com — McDonald's Tests Ads for Other Brands on Menu Screens After You Place Your Order
- www.theverge.com — McDonald’s is testing ads on its drive-thru menus | The Verge
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McDonald's tests third-party ads on drive-thru menu boards
McDonald's is testing the sale of digital menu board ad space to other brands through the creation of the McDonald's Media Network. The company is placing third-party advertisements on digital screens, including those in drive-thrus, and plans to use customer data to sell targeted ads. This move follows a similar trajectory to retail giants Amazon and Walmart, with the company suggesting the advertising venture could potentially become a $1 billion business.
Why it matters
The shift toward a commerce media network allows the fast-food chain to monetize its digital footprint beyond food sales. This occurs as the company integrates broader AI initiatives like the ArchIQ platform to manage restaurant operations.
What is confirmed
- McDonald's is testing third-party advertisements on digital menu boards, including drive-thru screens.
- The company is establishing the McDonald's Media Network to sell ad space to other brands.
Still unconfirmed
- The company intends to use customer data to sell targeted advertisements.
What to watch next
- Expansion of the media network to all global locations
- Financial reports detailing revenue generated from third-party ad sales
- Integration of targeted ads into the ArchIQ AI platform
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- CNBC — Why McDonald's is following Walmart and Amazon into the advertising business
- Bloomberg — McDonald’s Tests Placing Ads for Other Brands on Menu Screens
- The Verge — McDonald’s is testing ads on its drive-thru menus
- PYMNTS.com — McDonald’s Tests Selling Digital Menu Board Ad Space to Other Brands
- Marketing Dive — Inside McDonald’s new marketing model as it enters media network fray
- MediaPost — McDonald's To Launch Media Network, Runs Ads In Some Stores 09/24/2026
- gizmodo.com — McDonald’s Is Putting Ads in Its Drive-Thru… and Everywhere Else
- www.insideradio.com — McDonald’s Tests Drive-Thru Advertising.
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- www.ad-hoc-news.de — McDonald's Bets $8.5 Billion That Automation Can Outrun Its Traffic Slump
- finance.yahoo.com — McDonald's unveils AI-enabled drive-thru system
- finance.yahoo.com — McDonald’s turns to AI for drive-thru, inventory management, order accuracy
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