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McDonald’s reports strong Q3 amid check average growth, price increasesMcDonald’s reports strong Q3 amid check average growth, price increases

Burger brand is spinning off AI-based automated-ordering Apprente division to IBM

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

October 27, 2021

6 Min Read
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McDonald's Corp. on Wednesday reported strong third-quarter sales, which the company credited to larger check averages, increased prices and continued expansion of channels such as drive-thru, delivery and digital.

The Chicago-based quick-service giant also said it was spinning off its artificial-intelligence automated ordering division, Apprente, which it acquired in 2019, to IBM and expected the partnership to increase rollout plans.

The third-quarter results were “a testament to the focus of our teams,” said Chris Kempczinski, McDonald’s CEO and president, in an earnings call with analysts.

McDonald’s said quarterly same-store sales and guest counts were positive across all segments.

In the United States, the company said same-store sales...

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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