McDonald’s is undertaking one of its most significant structural shifts in recent memory, with a clear mandate: move faster and decentralize hospitality systems decision making and deployment. Under the leadership of CEO Chris Kempczinski, the company is reorganizing its operations, supply chain, development, and innovation teams to cut through bureaucracy and bring new products and technologies to market faster. Hospitality is Changing at a Rapid Clip This move comes at a critical time. The fast-food giant is facing a sluggish environment. Global same-store sales plateaued in 2024 after years of growth, signaling saturation and consumer fatigue. Overall U.S. restaurant traffic declined by 2.8% in the same period and is expected to drop again, indicating larger macroeconomic pressures. Consumers are increasingly price-sensitive, questioning the value proposition of fast food amid inflationary pressures and shifting dining habits. McDonald’s also faces increased competition from fast-casual brands and delivery-focused digital players. The stakes are [...]