---
title: "McDonald’s New Extra Value Menu Is Beating Expectations — And Franchisees Are Seeing the Value"
url: https://burnaze.com/article/cfc07ad3-7594-488e-b0f8-7e9e53a9bd3d
source: "Entrepreneur Franchise"
original_url: https://www.entrepreneur.com/buying-a-franchise/mcdonalds-new-extra-value-menu-is-beating-expectations
author: "Jonathan Small"
category: "Burger"
industry: "Restaurants"
segment: "Burger"
published: 2026-05-11T15:45:00.000Z
modified: 2026-10-31T13:18:55.178Z
image: https://www.entrepreneur.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/mcdonalds-value-menu-0526_g2235310164.jpg
---

# McDonald’s New Extra Value Menu Is Beating Expectations — And Franchisees Are Seeing the Value

**TL;DR:** McDonald's new Extra Value Menu is driving same-store sales growth and requiring less corporate financial support for franchisees than initially projected. The menu has been successful in adding value to franchisees, with U.S. same-store sales rising 3.9 percent in Q1.

*By Jonathan Small, originally published in Entrepreneur Franchise on 2026-05-11. [Read the original](https://www.entrepreneur.com/buying-a-franchise/mcdonalds-new-extra-value-menu-is-beating-expectations).*

## Story

The fast-food giant maintained its market share and outperformed competitors in Q1, thanks to its laser focus on affordability.

McDonald’s value menu is adding value to franchisees. QSR Magazine reports that the burger giant’s U.S. same-store sales rose 3.9 percent in Q1, maintaining market share and outperforming competitors while much of the quick-service industry navigates soft traffic trends. The secret has been a disciplined value strategy that’s resonating with budget-conscious customers.

McDonald’s introduced the Extra Value Meals program in September 2025, featuring items under $3, alongside a $4 breakfast meal deal. The Value Meals have been so successful that corporate support to franchisees is expected to come in below the initial estimate of approximately $35 million.

“We’ve accomplished our goal of growing share with low-income consumers and improving value and affordability scores,” CEO Chris Kempczinski said during the chain’s Q1 earnings call. The meals continue to drive incremental traffic and sales even after direct financial support ended in March.

## Entities

- QSR (sector)
- Entrepreneur (publication)
- McDonald's (company)
- same store sales (topic)
- Chris Kempczinski (person)
- value menu (topic)
- Jonathan Small (person)
- q1 earnings (topic)
- corporate financial support (topic)

---
Originally reported by Jonathan Small, Entrepreneur Franchise (https://www.entrepreneur.com/buying-a-franchise/mcdonalds-new-extra-value-menu-is-beating-expectations). Summarized by Burnaze (https://burnaze.com/article/cfc07ad3-7594-488e-b0f8-7e9e53a9bd3d).