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Speaking at McDonald’s Impact Summit, President Donald Trump urged the company to put more tartar sauce on the Filet-O-Fish.
After a year of car sticker shock, McDonald’s appears to be regaining favor with American consumers.
By abandoning higher-priced menu experiments and returning to its “old-school” $5 meal offerings, including the long-awaited return of the Snack Wrap, the fast food giant has re-entered the Top 10 of the Franchise Entrepreneurs 500 list, sending a message that in 2026, value is still king.
McDonald’s was ranked No. 10 on Entrepreneur’s annual list, which evaluates costs, fees, size, growth, support, brand strength and financial stability. The 2026 report marks McDonald’s first appearance in the Top 10 since 2020, when it ranked third. Last year, the chain ranked number 22.
Some McValue items were recalled in 2019, leading to years of customer complaints. Its return in 2025 helped drive a 2.4% increase in same-store sales in the third quarter, according to company data.
MCDONALD’S BET ON GIANT BURGERS, SECRET MENUS AND NOSTALGIA, WITH OUR MOVEMENT UNCERTAIN
Some of McValue’s items were discontinued in 2019, leading to years of consumer complaints. Its return in 2025 directly drove a 2.4% sales increase in the third quarter.
A McDonald’s meal with nuggets, a burger, fries and a drink. (Getty Images)
“When it comes to value, we know there is no one size fits all,” said McDonald’s President Joe Erlinger. a previous press release. “We’ve worked closely with our franchisees to create a new platform that allows our customers to define value on their own terms.”
Local franchisees across the country can also create their own regional meal offerings, giving them flexibility to respond to inflation and local costs.
Also, McDonald’s started 2026 with one transformation plan which includes new restaurant openings, menu updates and expanded digital tools. Growth efforts will target emerging and high-traffic markets, while existing stores continue to upgrade to meet new operating standards.
McDonald’s permanent McValue menu dropped in January 2025 and helped the company achieve major growth milestones. (Getty Images)
This year’s updates include new beverage options, chicken wraps, a “better burger” initiative and a protein-focused initiative. Hot honey menu debuting at participating locations on January 27th.
McDonald’s did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on its Franchise 500 ranking or its value meal plans for the new year.
Several of McDonald’s fast food competitors also made the list, including Jersey Mike’s Subs (#1), Taco Bell (#2), Dunkin’ (#3), Wingstop (#6), Culver’s (#9), Subway (#18), Wendy’s (#19), Kentucky Fried Chicken (#30), and Kentucky Fried King (#30). 114). Neither Chick-fil-A nor Chipotle earned a Franchise 500 ranking.
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HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discusses efforts to phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes in the nation’s food supply on “Jesse Watters Primetime.”
Fox News previously reported that McDonald’s prices have risen sharply in recent years, with millennials in particular speaking out on social media about how much menu costs have risen since their childhood.
A user shared a viral graphic claiming a McDonald’s meal it once cost about $12 total — with medium fries for 99 cents, a cheeseburger for 79 cents and a Big Mac for $1.85. The post also said a Filet-O-Fish sold for $1.29 in 1991 and a medium drink for 89 cents.
Fox News’ Andrea Margolis and FOX Business’ Emma Bussey contributed to this report.
