The new policies? They've been a headache, honestly. The push towards sustainability and healthier menu options has forced us to rethink our inventory and how we prepare food. It's a good direction, but it's challenging to implement without impacting our bottom line. And with the digital menu boards, every policy change means we have to update the system, which isn't always straightforward.

— 40-year-old female McDonald's franchisee owner from Detroit, MI, who is a proponent of digital menu board integration.

The Operations PACE system? It's a nightmare. It puts so much pressure on us to meet these arbitrary benchmarks. It's all about numbers and not about the quality of service or the well-being of our staff. I'm really not a fan.

— 39-year-old female McDonald's franchisee owner from Nashville, TN, committed to enhanced service models.

Communication? What communication? We get these top-down directives with little to no explanation or support. It feels like they're just checking boxes, not actually trying to engage with us. It's frustrating and disrespectful.

— 39-year-old female McDonald's franchisee owner from Nashville, TN, committed to enhanced service models.

Staffing has become a nightmare. We can't keep good people because the pay isn't competitive, and the new labor laws have increased our costs. It's hard to find reliable employees who are willing to work the hours we need. It's a constant battle.

— 39-year-old female McDonald's franchisee owner from Minneapolis, MN, dedicated to improving customer loyalty programs.

Yes, customer behaviors have definitely shifted. There's a greater demand for speed and convenience, especially with our drive-thru. Also, there's been a noticeable increase in interest in our healthier menu options and sustainability efforts, which aligns well with McDonald's recent strategies.

— 34-year-old female McDonald's franchisee owner from Tampa, FL, who emphasizes customer feedback and satisfaction.

It's a delicate balance. We try to incorporate local events and support community initiatives, but sometimes corporate policies can be at odds with what the community wants. We do our best to find a middle ground, like promoting local products when possible.

— 49-year-old male McDonald's franchisee owner from Atlanta, GA, with a strong background in financial management.

I think it's fantastic. Increasing diversity among franchisees brings fresh perspectives and ideas to the table. It's great to see McDonald's pushing for inclusivity, and it aligns well with our community's values here in San Francisco.

— 35-year-old male McDonald's franchisee owner from San Francisco, CA, who prioritizes adopting green technologies.

My biggest concerns are staying profitable and keeping my staff motivated. With all the changes and pressures from corporate, it's hard to see a sustainable future. I'm worried about the long-term viability of my franchise.

— 39-year-old female McDonald's franchisee owner from Minneapolis, MN, dedicated to improving customer loyalty programs.

Recommendations? I'd like to see more support for the tech we're forced to use. Better communication about policy changes, and maybe some relief on the financial pressures. It feels like we're being squeezed from all sides, and it's not sustainable.

— 46-year-old male McDonald's franchisee owner from Orlando, FL, who emphasizes technological advancements in-store operations.