McDonald’s used to be the fast-food restaurant to turn to at any time.
In 2015, the year when consumers are focusing on their health more than ever, McDonald’s sales are declining around the world, according to the Associated Press.
McDonald’s reported on Wednesday that U.S. sales were down 2.6 percent in the first quarter of 2015, while global profit dropped 33 percent, according to the Washington Post. The CEO of the chain, Steve Easterbrook, who stepped into the role last month, will be revealing a new plan to help change the decline in sales.
“I think there is a hunger and an interest in our business to embrace change,” stated Easterbrook during a conference call.
McDonald’s has made changes in their menu to accommodate the needs of their consumers. The fast-food chain reportedly simplified their grilled chicken recipe and altered the use of antibiotics in raising chickens, but the recent changes have yet to bring in the foot traffic that it used to.
McDonald’s has also reportedly started serving breakfast all day at its stores in the San Diego area. Whether this specific change will result in an increase in business is reportedly uncertain.
McDonald’s has had quite a bit on their plate this year, aside from the dropping sales. There have reportedly been ongoing protests calling for an hourly pay of $15, resulting in McDonald’s announcing that it would raise wages and offer vacation time for workers.
There will be further changes made under Easterbrook, which is reportedly expected to be part of the new plan that will be announced next month. When Don Thompson, who was the chief executive for McDonald’s until January, was in charge, there was reportedly talk of a “Create Your Taste” menu, which would allow customers to build their own burger.
“We are moving from a world of mass marketing to a world of mass personalization,” stated Easterbrook.
