Core Insights - McDonald's is addressing the issue of price discrepancies across its franchise locations, particularly in high-cost areas like airports and sports arenas, where prices can be significantly higher than average [1][2][3] Pricing Strategy - The current price for a 10-piece Chicken McNugget Value meal at a local McDonald's is approximately $8, with a regular price around $10, contrasting sharply with airport prices that can exceed $20 [2][3] - McDonald's operates on a franchised model, allowing franchise owners to set their own prices, which can lead to significant variations in meal costs [3] New Franchising Standards - Starting January 1, 2026, McDonald's will enhance its global franchising standards to ensure franchise operators maintain accountability for providing value [5][6] - The company will not adopt a uniform pricing strategy but will assess pricing decisions holistically to ensure value delivery across all locations [6] Market Responsiveness - Franchise operators will have the opportunity to provide local market insights to McDonald's, enabling the corporate team to better evaluate the value proposition at individual restaurants [7] - McDonald's CEO has emphasized the importance of value in the current market, noting that consumers are increasingly price-sensitive and seeking good value for their money [8][9]