BREAKING NEWS McDonald's announces huge plan for Australia - as it reveals major price freeze
Chief Executive Officer Joe Chiczewski on Thursday said the McSmart Meal, which includes two burgers, fries and a drink, would remain at $6.95 for the 12-month period.
'In today's cost-of-living climate, we know the promise of value matters more than ever to our fans across Australia,' Mr Chiczewski said.
'My commitment to Australian customers is clear, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, you can count on us for great value at Macca's.'
The CEO revealed McDonald's sells more than 600,000 McSmart Meals each week.
Prices on the Loose Change menu, which are all $4 or less, will also remain unchanged for the same period.
Sausage McMuffins will cost $4, hamburgers will remain at $2 and frozen Coca-Cola drinks will go for $1.
'It's also available at every single one of our locations nationwide, whether you're dining in, driving (through), or ordering through the MyMacca's app,' he said.
'Our focus and commitment remain unchanged, keeping our menu as accessible and affordable as possible for our customers,' CEO Joe Chiczewski (above) said
McDonald's Australia operates more than 1,050 stores nationwide after launching down under in 1971.
When it first opened, hamburgers sold for 20c.
Mr Chiczewski said the business strived to keep meals 'accessible and affordable'.
'Like many Australian businesses, we've experienced rising costs over the past five years, driven by inflation and other economic factors,' he said.
'And yes, that means some of our menu prices have increased - we're not denying this.
'However, our focus and commitment remain unchanged, keeping our menu as accessible and affordable as possible for our customers.
'Our price promise on the McSmart Meal and Loose Change Menu is at the core of this commitment and ensures we can keep serving up Macca's favourite for less.'
The CEO later revealed McDonald's would open between 30 and 50 further locations across the country in the next 12 months.
He said there were lucrative 'restaurant gaps' in regions around the nation.
'We're going to open more restaurants over the next 12 months,' he said.
'That is a key priority for our growth strategy. Not just the next 12 months, but over the next few years.
'I would expect over the next 12 months that we would open somewhere between 30 and 50 restaurants.'
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