McDonald's U.S. President Joe Erlinger told operators the brand was "moving in the right direction" as it continues a more-than-yearlong push on value.

Reductions in combo meal prices helped McDonald’s offset consumer pullback in the U.S. in Q3, and the chain will double down on its value efforts.

The fast-food giant argues that its lower-priced combo meals will generate more customers and more sales over time, and

McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski is honest when it comes to the outlook of the restaurant industry. The environment is difficult. And the CEO said that won’t change much in 2026 as inflation is expected to be above average.

The company is supporting franchisees with the relaunch of Extra Value Meals through Q1 to bolster its value perception

The company said the change will not impact customers who use cashless forms of payments, like cards. McDonald's restaurants may also ask customers to use exact change, a credit or debit card, or the McDonald's App.