McDonald’s has returned to the top 10 franchises in America by embracing what originally drove its success: low-cost food.
The fast-food giant ranked No. 10 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list after reviving its $5 meal deals and bringing back the beloved Snack Wrap.
This marks McDonald’s first top 10 appearance since 2020, when it placed third. Last year, the chain languished at No. 22 in the annual ranking, which evaluates costs, fees, size, growth, support, brand strength, and financial stability.
The turnaround came after McDonald’s abandoned pricier menu experiments and returned to value basics. Some McValue items disappeared in 2019, sparking years of customer complaints.
Their return in 2025 drove a 2.4% same-store sales increase by the third quarter, according to company data.
“When it comes to value, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all,” McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger said in a previous press release. “We’ve worked closely with our franchisees to create a new platform that will let our customers define value on their own terms.”
The permanent McValue menu launched in January 2025. Local franchisees can now create regional meal deals, giving them the flexibility to respond to inflation and local cost pressures.
McDonald’s began 2026 with expansion plans including new restaurant openings, menu updates, and expanded digital tools. Growth efforts target high-traffic and emerging markets, while existing stores undergo upgrades to meet new operational standards.
This year’s updates include new drink options, chicken wraps, a “better burger” initiative, and a protein-focused Hot Honey menu, launching at participating locations on January 27.
Several fast-food competitors also made the list, including Jersey Mike’s Subs (No. 1), Taco Bell (No. 2), and Dunkin’ (No. 3). Neither Chick-fil-A nor Chipotle earned a ranking.
McDonald’s prices have risen sharply in recent years, with millennials particularly vocal on social media about menu cost increases. A viral graphic claimed a Big Mac once cost $1.85, while medium fries sold for 99 cents and a cheeseburger for 79 cents.
