(New York) McDonald’s sees its network reach 50,000 points of sale by 2027, around a quarter more than its current total, notably through significant investments, the American fast food giant announced on Wednesday.

The chain had 40,275 restaurants at the end of 2022, according to its annual report, about 95% of which were franchised, a figure up 17% over ten years.

This total already makes “Mickey D’s”, as it is sometimes nicknamed in the United States, the world’s leading brand in the fast food and drinking establishment sector, ahead of Starbucks (38,000) and Subway ( approximately 37,000).

McDonald’s largest market outside the United States is France, with more than 1,500 restaurants.

To increase the pace of its openings, the Chicago (Illinois) group plans to invest $300 to $500 million per year until 2027, financial director Ian Borden said during a presentation to investors on Wednesday.

“This period of expansion will be the fastest in McDonald’s history,” explained customer manager Manu Steijaert.

After reaching a peak in 2013, McDonald’s went through a difficult period until reaching a low point in 2020. The group has since recovered, with sales increasing by more than 20% between 2020 and 2022.

It benefited from investments in its existing restaurants, price increases, as well as the effect of the pandemic, which accelerated remote ordering.

The group has also benefited from the recent explosion of fried chicken sandwiches, which have become a star of its menu, accompanying the momentum of chains like Popeyes or Chick-fil-A.

For 2024, McDonald’s has announced that it expects revenue growth of 2%, excluding currency effects.

During the presentation of the third quarter results, the brand reported a slowdown in sales, linked to a deterioration in the economic situation.