McDonald's will spend more money on product development--including a dollar breakfast menu in certain markets--to make sure it has a "robust pipeline" of new food products for its 31,000 stores
around the globe. And after four years of focusing on a strategy of improving finances, executives say the company will accelerate annual restaurant openings in targeted markets from its current rate
of about 1% worldwide.
Executives say that McDonald's will roll out a new trans-fat-free oil nationwide within the next year, while hinting they also plan to add more fruits and
vegetables to future menus--probably in the form of smoothies and side dishes. The chain will continue to test premium Angus burgers, iced coffees and sweet tea at sites around the U.S.
"We have some very strong products you won't see in the next six months, you'll see 18 to 24 months out," says president and COO Ralph Alvarez.
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