McDonald’s U.S. sales lag as Skye Anderson takes charge
McDonald’s said falling restaurant traffic masked a 0.8% U.S. sales gain as it installed Skye Anderson to lead its largest market.
By Maya Lindqvist · Senior Technology Correspondent
2 min read
McDonald’s U.S. sales 2026 results fell short of management’s expectations even as same-store sales rose 0.8% in the quarter ended June 30. The company has named Skye Anderson president of McDonald’s USA, effective Tuesday, putting an operations veteran in charge of its largest market.
The sales increase came from a higher average check while traffic at domestic restaurants declined, McDonald’s said. Chief Executive Chris Kempczinski told analysts the company’s strategy was sound but its second-quarter execution was not, according to CNBC.
Why did McDonald’s U.S. traffic fall?
Management pointed to problems rolling out value offers, fewer national digital promotions and an overloaded restaurant operation. Kempczinski said only about 60% to 65% of the U.S. system had adopted the under-$3 menu, intended to include 10 items, and that its flexible pricing structure allowed some operators to increase prices on certain products.
McDonald’s restaurants are predominantly run by franchisees, which can set their own menu prices, CNBC reported. The company also reduced many national digital offers during the quarter; Kempczinski said those changes contributed to meaningful price increases.
At the same time, too many complicated product launches slowed service and lowered customer-satisfaction scores, he said. McDonald’s said it plans to increase digital offers, while executives expect U.S. same-store sales to return to their expectations in 2027 if operations and marketing improve.
Who is Skye Anderson?
Anderson is a 26-year McDonald’s employee who most recently served as chief operating officer of McDonald’s USA. Before that, she led the company’s Global Business Services unit, according to CNBC. She replaces Joe Erlinger, who had run the U.S. division for more than six years.
The appointment ties the leadership change directly to the company’s operating concerns. Kempczinski said McDonald’s sees room to improve results in the United States, which it identifies as its largest market.
The company reported adjusted earnings of $3.38 a share, above the $3.32 average analyst estimate compiled by LSEG, while revenue of $7.10 billion was below the $7.13 billion estimate, CNBC reported. Net income rose to $2.36 billion from $2.25 billion a year earlier.
McDonald’s global same-store sales increased 1.3% in the quarter. Its international operated markets recorded 1.5% growth, while its international developmental licensed markets grew 1.9%, underscoring the weaker showing in the U.S. business.
This story draws on original reporting from CNBC.