McDonald’s Newest Wrinkle Powers Up Kiosks and Bypasses the Register

Key Takeaways

• McDonald’s is introducing a new format at a few U.S. stores where digital ordering stations will take cash and give change, bypassing the register completely.
• There isn’t yet a plan for a full roll-out of the new system, the company said.
• Cashiers at those stores will be redeployed to other jobs like curbside pickup and catering to table service.

McDonald’s (MCD) is introducing a new offering in some U.S. stores, with digital ordering stations now taking cash and giving change, bypassing the register completely.

The new kiosks will be deployed in a “small number of U.S. franchisees,” amounting to less than 2% of the total, McDonald’s USA said. There isn’t a plan for a full roll-out of the kiosk-based system, the company said.

Cashiers at those stores will be redeployed to other jobs like curbside pickup and catering to table service, according to the company. The news was first reported by Bloomberg.

Franchisees Would Improve ‘Speed, Accuracy’ With Digital Ordering

Instead of displaying a full menu, screens behind the counter at the fast-food giant using the new format will highlight just a few items. Customers will be encouraged to order at the kiosks or on the mobile app, allowing franchisees to improve “speed and accuracy,” McDonald’s USA said.

McDonald’s in late July posted a disappointing second-quarter earnings report as customers cut back spending amid inflation.

McDonald’s shares, down more than 1% in morning trading, are a few percentage points in the red so far this year.

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