McDonald’s to Invest Over $100 Million to Speed Up Recovery After E. coli Outbreak

Boosting Restaurant Sales and Supporting Owners

McDonald’s will invest more than $100 million to boost restaurant sales and speed up the recovery after last month’s E. coli outbreak.

Supporting Owners and Traffic-Driving Programs

• $65 million will be invested into supporting owners who have lost business, targeting those in the hardest-hit states.
• Approximately $35 million will be invested in traffic-driving programs, including marketing efforts.

McDonald’s will also be driving “local recovery plans for highly impacted markets” with more details to come in the weeks ahead, according to a memo to owners and employees viewed by CNBC.

Return of Quarter Pounder Burgers

This week, the company completed the return of Quarter Pounder burgers, with slivered onions, to all restaurant menus nationwide after temporarily removing the menu item from some locations, according to the memo to franchisees.

Update on the Outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a total of 104 cases, 37 hospitalizations, and one death across 14 states.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that “there does not appear to be a continued food safety concern related to this outbreak at McDonald’s restaurants.” 

CEO Statement

“We have navigated a complex and fast-changing situation, moved at an unmatched pace, and showed the true character of our brand through unwavering dedication to the safety and well-being of our customers. As we enter the ‘Recovery’ phase, we will continue to uphold our commitment to do the right thing,” said McDonald’s Chief Impact Officer Michael Gonda and Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer Tariq Hassan in a memo to owners and employees.

Conclusion

McDonald’s is taking proactive steps to recover from the E. coli outbreak, investing over $100 million to boost restaurant sales and support owners. The company is also driving local recovery plans and has returned Quarter Pounder burgers to all restaurant menus nationwide.

FAQs

• What is McDonald’s doing to recover from the E. coli outbreak?

The company is investing over $100 million to boost restaurant sales and support owners, driving local recovery plans, and has returned Quarter Pounder burgers to all restaurant menus nationwide.

• How much is McDonald’s investing in the recovery effort?

McDonald’s is investing over $100 million, with $65 million going towards supporting owners and $35 million going towards traffic-driving programs.

• What is the current status of the outbreak?

The CDC has reported a total of 104 cases, 37 hospitalizations, and one death across 14 states. The FDA has stated that “there does not appear to be a continued food safety concern related to this outbreak at McDonald’s restaurants.”