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McDonald’s performance slows as technology remains a “big frontier”McDonald’s performance slows as technology remains a “big frontier”

The brand is struggling to keep up with pressure from competitors on delivery, technology fronts

Joanna Fantozzi, Senior Editor

October 22, 2019

3 Min Read
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VIEW press / Contributor / Corbis News / iStock / Getty Images Plus

Although McDonald’s same-store sales rose 4.8% in the U.S. and 5.9% globally for the third quarter ended Sept. 30, the hamburger giant faced significant growth challenges as it faces ongoing pressures in the areas of technology and delivery innovation.  

Last quarter, McDonald’s outlined its investment in technology-driven store remodels, which are expected to be completed by the end of the year, as well as its focus on drive-thru efficiency innovations like digital menu boards and speed tests, and a campaign to streamline bloated menus. In the third-quarterly earnings call Tuesday, president and CEO Steve Easterbrook reiterated these commitments to keeping up with a changing industry.

“We are working hard to fulfill customer desire for sm...

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About the Author

Joanna Fantozzi

Senior Editor

Joanna Fantozzi is a Senior Editor for Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality. She has more than seven years of experience writing about the restaurant and hospitality industry. Her editorial coverage ranges from profiles of independent restaurants around the country to breaking news and insights into some of the biggest brands in food and beverage, including Starbucks, Domino’s, and Papa John’s.  

Joanna holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and creative writing from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in arts and culture journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. Prior to joining Informa’s Restaurants and Food Group in 2018, she was a freelance food, culture, and lifestyle writer, and has previously held editorial positions at Insider (formerly known as Business Insider) and The Daily Meal. Joanna’s work can also be found in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, The New York Daily News, and Parents Magazine. 

Her areas of expertise include restaurant industry news, restaurant operator solutions and innovations, and political/cultural issues.

Joanna Fantozzi has been a moderator and event facilitator at both Informa’s MUFSO and Restaurants Rise industry events. 

Joanna Fantozzi’s experience:

Senior Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (August 2021-present)

Associate Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (July 2019-August 2021)

Assistant Editor, Informa Restaurant & Food Group (Oct. 2018-July 2019)

Freelance Food & Lifestyle Reporter (Feb. 2018-Oct. 2018)

Food & Lifestyle Reporter, Insider (June 2017-Feb. 2018)

News Editor, The Daily Meal (Jan. 2014- June 2017)

Staff Reporter, Straus News (Jan. 2013-Dec. 2013)

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