WJXT is proud to continue its long-serving promise of dedication to North Florida and South Georgia communities by introducing a new, inside perspective of area neighborhoods.

A national rights group says more U.S. companies are providing strong benefits and protections to LGBTQ+ employees despite conservative activists pressuring high-profile brands to stop participating in the organization’s annual workplace report card.

Lamb Weston, a major supplier of frozen French fries to global chains like McDonald’s, KFC and Taco Bell, has named a new CEO after posting a surprise loss in the second quarter as consumers pull back on the money they spend on food outside the home.

Up to $60,000 in reward money from the FBI and the New York Police Department's Crime Stoppers program was offered for tips leading to a break in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

McDonald’s is investing $100 million to bring customers back to stores after an outbreak of E.

A food poisoning outbreak tied to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders was caused by a common type of E.

Federal officials say E.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has manned the fry station at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania before staging an impromptu news conference, answering questions from reporters through the drive-thru window.

McDonald’s has some beef with today’s largest meat packers.

Fenway Park has the Ted Williams seat.

McDonald’s is extending its $5 value meal until December at most U.S. stores, and the company's rivals are likely to follow.

McDonald’s global same-stores fell for the first time in nearly four years in the second quarter as inflation-weary consumers skipped eating out or chose cheaper options.

Do Americans want plant-based options at fast-food restaurants.

Ever get your McDonald’s order mixed up at an AI-powered drive-thru.

A top European Union court ruled that McDonald’s has lost its Big Mac trademark in the 27-nation bloc, ruling in favor of Irish fast food rival Supermac’s in a long-running legal battle.

McDonald’s is fighting back against media reports it says have exaggerated its price increases.

McDonald’s is planning to introduce a $5 meal deal in the U.S. next month to counter slowing sales and customers’ frustration with high prices.

Plant-based meat maker Beyond Meat urged investors to look past its mixed first quarter results Wednesday, saying a new, healthier burger just hitting U.S. shelves will help reignite weak sales.

McDonald’s is buying its restaurants in Israel from a longtime franchisee, hoping to reset sales that have slumped due to boycotts in the region.

Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s are getting together over breakfast.

McDonald’s will become the title sponsor of the French soccer league from July for the next three seasons.

A federal judge in Texas has blocked a new rule by the National Labor Relations Board that would have made it easier for millions of workers to form unions at big companies.

Fast-food wrappers and packaging that contain so-called forever chemicals are no longer being sold in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration says the voluntary effort that began in 2020 between the agency and U.S. food manufacturers has been completed.

McDonald’s CEO promised more affordable menu items after backlash on social media caught his attention amid the outrage over inflation.

After three years of exceptional sales growth, McDonald’s is returning to Earth.

It was a tumultuous 2023 for the Chinese economy.

McDonald’s is testing a new restaurant format with customizable drinks and treats designed to appeal to afternoon snackers — and grab sales from competitors like Starbucks and Dunkin’.

A federal rule that goes into effect next month could make it easier for millions of workers to unionize at big companies like McDonald’s.

McDonald’s said Monday it’s pumping the brakes on higher prices and focusing more on value meals after seeing a drop-off in visits by some customers.

Say goodbye to refilling that Coke.

The day that McDonald’s discontinued making their heavenly and iconic Snack Wraps is a day I’ll never forget.

McDonald’s is grinning thanks to Grimace after a marketing campaign to celebrate the “birthday” of its big purple mascot went viral and contributed to surprisingly strong second quarter sales.

Grimace, arguably the coolest McDonals’d character, is finally getting the recognition he deserves.

The argument that sparked gunfire at a Jacksonville McDonald’s early Saturday morning started between Akeem Black, 30, and a woman who was working in the drive-thru at the University Boulevard restaurant, according to an arrest report.

A second jury will determine how much McDonald's USA and its franchise owner, Upchurch Foods, will pay the child and her mother, the South Florida SunSentinel reported.

Federal officials say two 10-year-olds are among the 300 children who worked at a McDonald’s restaurants in Kentucky with no or little pay.

A Florida man has pleaded guilty to randomly shooting four people in a 2017 killing rampage that set a Tampa neighborhood on edge for weeks.

McDonald’s has closed its U.S. offices through Wednesday and told its corporate staff to work remotely as it prepares to announce a round of layoffs.

U.S. employers posted 10.8 million job openings in January, indicating the American job market continues to run too hot for the inflation fighters at the Federal Reserve.

Adult Happy Meals and other limited-time promotions boosted traffic at McDonald’s restaurants during the fourth quarter despite higher prices.

An Ohio police officer who struck a Black woman as she was taken into custody at a McDonald's has been placed on paid administrative leave while authorities investigate.

A measure of inflation that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve remained painfully high last month, the latest sign that prices for most goods and services in the United States are still rising steadily.

Higher prices and general unease about the economy didn’t keep customers away from McDonald’s in the third quarter.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a landmark measure giving more than a half-million fast food workers more power and protections.

McDonald’s will begin reopening some of its restaurants in Ukraine in the coming months.

McDonald’s revenue fell short of expectations in the second quarter as coronavirus restrictions shuttered stores in China and higher prices took a toll on U.S. demand.

Three months after McDonald’s suspended operations in Russia, its famous former outlet on Moscow’s Pushkin Square as the restaurant reopened under a Russian owner and a new name.

Starbucks is pulling out of the Russian market.

Two months after the Berlin Wall fell, another powerful symbol opened its doors in the middle of Moscow: a gleaming new McDonald’s.

An activist investor is trying to make McDonald’s change the way it buys pork for its bacon cheeseburgers and sausage patties.

The former Chicago police officer who was convicted in the shooting death of Black teenager Laquan McDonald has been released from prison after serving less than half of his sentence.

The imminent release from prison of the former Chicago police officer who shot Laquan McDonald 16 times in 2014, killing the Black teenager, is a reminder for some of what they say is an unfair criminal justice system.

California’s more than half-million fast food workers would get increased power and protections under a first-in-the-nation measure approved by the state Assembly.

McDonald’s ended 2021 on a high note, with U.S. customers spending more and fewer restaurant closures in Europe.

Former McDonald’s CEO Steve Easterbrook has paid back more than $105 million in equity awards and cash to the burger giant after it learned that he had lied about the extent of his misconduct while he was its top executive.

McDonald’s has reported stronger-than-expected sales in the third quarter, boosted by larger orders and higher prices on the menu.

The fatal police shooting of a Black teen in Chicago seven years ago is looming large over former Mayor Rahm Emanuel as he hopes to win Senate confirmation as ambassador to Japan.

McDonald’s will begin selling a vegan burger in the United Kingdom and Ireland this month.

McDonald’s says it has pulled milkshakes from the menu in all 1,250 of its British restaurants because of supply problems stemming from a shortage of truck drivers.

McDonald’s posted better-than-expected sales in the second quarter as dining rooms reopened and new products like the Crispy Chicken Sandwich drew customers.

Animal rights protesters are blockading four McDonald’s distribution centers in the U.K. in an attempt to get the burger chain to commit to becoming fully plant-based by 2025.

U.S. restaurants and stores are rapidly raising pay in an urgent effort to attract more applicants and keep up with a flood of customers as the pandemic eases.

McDonald’s is raising pay at 650 company-owned stores in the U.S. as part of its push to hire thousands of new workers in a tight labor market.

The bounce back for McDonald’s as restrictions were lifted across the U.S. was so strong in the first quarter that the company surpassed sales during the same period even in 2019, long before the pandemic broadsided the country.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid fell last week to 547,000, a new low since the pandemic struck and a further encouraging sign that layoffs are slowing on the strength of an improving job market.

McDonald’s will mandate worker training to combat harassment, discrimination and violence in its restaurants worldwide starting next year.

Russell Hanna, 38, is charged with murder in a stabbing at a McDonald's in Mandarin. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 38-year-old man has been charged in a deadly stabbing Thursday night at a McDonald’s on Old St. Augustine Road, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said. Russell Hanna is accused of killing a man in his 60s who police said was stabbed “several times” Thursday afternoon at the fast-food restaurant. He said the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department, which was also called to the scene, transported the older man to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. They were inside of the restaurant and at some point an altercation ensued, and the suspect stabbed the victim several times,” Blinn said.

Beyond Meat on Thursday announced distribution agreements with McDonald's as well as with Yum Brands, the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. Beyond Meat had limited partnerships with McDonald's and Yum Brands before, testing its products in limited geographies or with only an item or two. Chicago-based McDonald's will use the Beyond Meat partnership to roll out what it is calling the “McPlant” burger, as well as eventually plant-based pork, egg and chicken products. AdYum will use Beyond Meat to expand its “Beyond Fried Chicken” products, as well as pizza toppings at Pizza Hut. Burger King has partnered with Impossible Foods to provide products that use plant-based products as well.

Washington, the Black owner of 14 McDonald's franchises in Ohio has sued the corporation in federal court asserting numerous instances of unfair treatment compared with white owners. “By relegating Black owners to the oldest stores in the toughest neighborhoods, McDonald’s ensured that Black franchisees would never achieve the levels of success that White franchisees could expect,” the lawsuit said. “Black franchisees must spend more to operate their stores while White franchisees get to realize the full benefit of their labors." He blames his advocacy on behalf of Black McDonald's owners for his troubles with the company. According to the lawsuit, the number of Black McDonald's franchise owners in the U.S. has fallen from 377 in 1998 to 186 today.

Racers crash during the last lap in the NASCAR Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Monday, Feb. 15, 2021, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Latest on the Daytona 500 (all times local):12:35 a.m.Brad Keselowski has no regrets about the way he handled the final lap of the Daytona 500. ___12:15 a.m.Michael McDowell won the Daytona 500 after Penske Racing teammates Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski wrecked on the final lap. ___3:25 p.m.Derrike Cope was knocked out after only three laps, an ignominious end for the 62-year-old driver who won the 1990 Daytona 500. ___2 p.m.Bubba Wallace’s car failed inspection twice for the Daytona 500 and will have to start at the back of the field. AdWallace drives a new entry owned by NBA great Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin.

U.S. same-store sales jumped 5.5% in the October-December period, pumped up by new menu items like spicy Chicken McNuggets and a meal deal collaboration with Colombian singer J Balvin. For the full year, McDonald's said U.S. same-store sales __ or sales at stores open at least a year __ were up less than 1%, their sixth consecutive year of growth. But worldwide, same-store sales were down 1.3% for the quarter, reflecting store closures and limited operating hours in various markets across Europe, Latin America and Asia. For the full year, global same-store sales were down 7.7%, a bigger decline than the 7% drop Wall Street had forecast, according to analysts polled by FactSet. Earlier this week, Starbucks said its global same-store sales fell 5% in the October-December period.

There is a lot that has changed about society over the past few decades, but one thing that has stayed constant is people’s love for fast food.

Beyond Meat's stock plummeted Monday after company executives struggled to explain the company's weaker-than-expected third quarter sales and answer questions about whether it will make plant-based burgers for McDonald's. On top of that, McDonald's raised questions earlier in the day about its relationship with Beyond Meat. McDonald's tested a Beyond Meat burger in Canada earlier this year, and Beyond Meat President and CEO Ethan Brown insisted that his company continues to work with McDonald's on the McPlant. Brown said U.S. retail sales of Beyond Meat slowed in the July-September period despite increased availability in stores. At the same time, Beyond Meat said sales to restaurants and other venues continue to struggle.

This photo provided by McDonald's shows the McRib sandwich. McDonalds announced that it was bringing its barbeque slathered sandwich with the cult following back for yet another run on Dec. 2. (McDonald's via AP)NEW YORK – McRib, the fast food sandwich that went viral before viral was a thing, is back. McDonald's announced Friday that for the first time in eight years it will be offering nationwide its barbeque slathered sandwich with the cult following. McDonald's is reintroducing the McRib nationally as it tries to regain its footing during the pandemic, which left many of its dining rooms sparsely populated or empty, though drive-thrus continued to operate.

But alas, while you may have gotten your Big Mac or McChicken, the ice cream machine is yet again broken, and your McFlurry dreams have been crushed. Not only are you upset, but so are the kids in the back seat who just wanted an ice cream cone. If only there was some way you could have known the ice cream machine was down, so you could have gone to a different McDonald’s with a working machine. A version of this scenario inspired 24-year-old software engineer Rashiq Zahid to created McBroken, a new website that tracks whether the ice cream machine at every McDonald’s is working or not. Only a true @McDonalds fan would go to these lengths to help customers get our delicious ice cream!

In contrast, at overseas McDonald’s locations, where drive-thru windows are less common, same-store sales dipped compared with a year ago. Domino's said its same-store sales overseas climbed 6.2% as stores in hard-hit markets like India and Spain reopened and more business migrated to delivery. Nearly all U.S. McDonald’s have drive-thru windows and its delivery business is rising. When combined with international sales, McDonald's same-store sales fell 2.2%. Still, that was significantly better than the second quarter, when same-store sales fell 24%.

An internal investigation by McDonalds of potential misconduct has extended beyond its former CEO who was forced out late last year. After Easterbrook was became McDonald's CEO in 2015 he named Fairhurst, a friend, to lead the human resource department. Yet in July, McDonalds received information from another company employee suggesting that Easterbrook had multiple affairs with subordinates. The same person also told the company about issues within the human resources department. McDonalds named Heidi Capozzi, who had worked for Boeing, as human resources chief in March.

Dunkin' is giving away a free classic donut with a purchase of any drink every Friday in March, signaling the latest escalation among fast food rivals for the breakfast battle. In addition to plant-based meat alternative sandwiches, Dunkin' has recently bolstered its breakfast offerings with Go2 breakfast deals, egg-based bowls and even a bag of bacon. Wendy's and McDonald's have also pushed nationwide free giveaways to promote their respective apps. Wendy's, which launched its breakfast menu nationwide earlier this week, is giving away a free Chicken Biscuit sandwich with purchase on mobile orders. McDonald's offered free Egg McMuffin sandwiches last Monday.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images(CNN) - McDonald's workers have walked off the job in the United Kingdom to demand higher pay and better working conditions. The current national minimum wage in the United Kingdom is 8.21 ($10.50) an hour for those aged 25 years old and above. A UK national minimum wage was first established in 1999. US cities such as Seattle states including California and New York have adopted a $15 minimum wage. The UK McDonald's workers are also seeking guaranteed hours of up to 40 hours a week, notice of shifts four weeks in advance and recognition of the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers' Union (BFAWU).

(CNN) - When 5-year-old Charlie Skabelund called 911, he had what you could call a serious emergency for a little boy: he needed a McDonald's Happy Meal. Charlie asked the 911 operator who answered his call. When asked whether he had an emergency, Charlie requested a Happy Meal before hanging up. But when Valdez brought a Happy Meal, Skabelund said the two became buddies. Charlie, a generally sweet and kind preschooler known for putting others ahead of himself, was most excited to share the Happy Meal with his sister.

The chain is reintroducing timeless toys that appeared in Happy Meals throughout the years to celebrate the childhood staple's 40th birthday. The current toys are being swapped for play things of old, like Furby, Hello Kitty and the beloved Tamagotchi. TamagotchiMcDonald'sWho didn't love to feed and care for their Tamagotchi in the 90s and 2000s? FurbyMcDonald'sA mini version of another Hasbro toy that most kid had the Furby will be available too. Hello KittyMcdonald'sThe Hello Kitty brand was an extreme craze in the 2000s, and in 2013, McDonalds introduced the Sanrio toy into their Happy Meals.

Those companies, and plenty more, saw their chief executives walk out the door just in the past few months, part of a record-breaking trend. That is up 14% compared to September and 15% more than the 149 CEO departures in October 2018. The report said most the CEO departures through October of this year -- 281 -- were from companies in the government and non-profit sector. The changes were prompted by "new legislation or political changes that influence leadership," the report said. The telecommunications and electronics sector was the second highest, with 188 departures, and financial companies had the third-highest number of CEO changes at 104.

(CNN) - Steve Easterbrook resigned from Walmart's board a day after announcing his exit from McDonald's. Easterbrook informed Walmart on Monday that he was stepping down from its board of directors effective immediately, according to a regulatory filing. The departure follows his dismissal as CEO of the fast food chain for having a consensual relationship with a McDonald's employee. Easterbrook joined Walmart's board of directors in 2018. Easterbrook had been McDonald's CEO since 2015.

(CNN) - Steve Easterbrook is out as McDonald's CEO and president after the board determined that he violated company policy, the company said on Sunday. Easterbrook, who became CEO in 2015, "demonstrated poor judgment involving a recent consensual relationship with an employee," McDonald's said in a statement. He is replaced in both roles by Chris Kempczinski, who was most recently president of McDonald's USA, effective immediately. This is a developing story. The-CNN-Wire & 2019 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company.

From McDonalds(CNN) - McDonald's Happy Meal might be for kids, but officially it's over the hill. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the company's first Happy Meal, the kids meal that helped McDonald's achieve fast food supremacy. Between November 7 through 11, McDonald's will sell a "Surprise Happy Meal" in 90 countries that will include the throwback toys. Some of the early Happy Meal toys included a McDoodler stencil, McWrist wallet and a spinning top. The addition inspired a line of Happy Meal toys modeled after the McNuggets.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - One meal has made kids "happy" for four decades. The McDonald's Happy Meal is celebrating its 40th anniversary, and to mark the milestone, McDonald's is bringing back some old school happy meal toys! Beanie Babies, the Hamburglar, and power rangers are just some of the retro toys that'll be making a comeback. "Nostalgia could encourage parents to pick up a Happy Meal for their children. Roughly one in every four orders at McDonald's includes a Happy Meal, according to the research company Sense360, which asked more than 1,300 McDonald's customers about their orders over four days in August.

This is the fifth year that six public interest groups have graded the 25 largest US fast food chains on where they stand on antibiotics. The report, called Chain Reaction V, focuses on antibiotic use in both poultry and beef food items. Despite the severity of the problem, the US lacks appropriate laws to regulate overuse of antibiotics in our food chain. McDonald's is in the pilot phase of their commitment, Brook said, with plans to announce reduction targets by the end of 2020. "They're cutting one drug by 20% in less than a third of their beef supply.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - Growth at McDonald's slowed in the third quarter, suggesting that the chain is feeling the heat from competitors who are getting aggressive on breakfast and plant-based menu items. To improve growth, McDonald's has been adding digital menu boards to stores, expanding delivery options and investing in AI tech for its drive-thrus, among other things. For instance, Wendy's is adding breakfast to its menu, investing $20 million and adding about 20,000 employees for the initiative. Others, like Burger King, are exploring plant-based menu options. McDonald's has plant-based options internationally and is testing a Beyond Burger in Canada, but has yet to test a meat substitute in the United States.

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. - The family of Alondra Janira Lugo is remembering her life after the 19-year-old died in a crash Friday night. Her family moved from Puerto Rico to Jacksonville 4 years ago. Troopers said around 11:40 p.m., Janira Lugo was traveling north down A1A when she lost control of her car and crashed into a tree. As family members continue processing this sudden loss, they're holding onto their faith. At this point, the family is making arrangements to get Janira Lugo back home to Puerto Rico for a burial.

(CNN) - McDonald's McRib is back again. For example, when the weather turns colder, Starbucks customers habitually get excited about Pumpkin Spice Lattes. When Starbucks announced the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte last year, it also unveiled the Teavana Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte. And Chernev pointed out that seasonal menu items mean brands have something new to talk about every quarter. Hottovy explained that sales typically rise for a short time when companies unveil seasonal items.

The burger chain is bringing back its popular Donut Sticks and introducing a cinnamon cookie latte, its first seasonal drink in five years. Donut Sticks, fried dough rods that McDonald's added to its menu earlier this year, are returning Nov. 6 and will be available for a limited time throughout the holiday season. The Donut Sticks come six or a dozen in a pack, and they will be served warm with cinnamon and sugar. The Donut Sticks were a hit for McDonald's when they sold them earlier this year, and the company reported strong first-quarter earnings partly because of the new and limited time item. It is McDonald's first seasonal drink since 2014, when it started selling the white chocolate mocha latte.

The "OK" hand gesture is now a hate symbol, according to a new report by the Anti-Defamation League. NEW YORK - The "OK" hand gesture is now a hate symbol, according to a new report by the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL added that symbol along with several others on Thursday to its long-standing database of slogans and symbols used by extremists. The finger-and-thumb OK sign is universally known for meaning everything is all right or approval of something. Tarrant was pictured using the OK symbol during a courtroom appearance soon after his arrest.

But McDonald's is partnering with Beyond Meat on a plant-based burger in Canada. Shares of Beyond Meat surged 10% Thursday morning after McDonald's announced plans for a limited-time offering of a P.LT. Beyond Meat's stock, trading around $150, is now up about 500% from its initial public offering price of $25. It also has a deal with Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons, which is also owned by Burger King parent Restaurant Brands. If Beyond Meat is able to land a broader deal with McDonald's, that would be a big win for the company as the plant-based burger business heats up.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images(CNN) - McDonald's will begin testing a Beyond Meat burger, giving the plant-based meat craze a major endorsement. Some food industry insiders had speculated that McDonald's could partner with Nestle to bring a vegan burger to market in North America. Nestle made McDonald's vegan burger, the Big Vegan TS, in Germany, one of McDonald's top 5 international markets. The company said it's still in "learning mode," so it will review the test's results before adding the Beyond Meat burger elsewhere. So far, McDonald's plant-based burger sales have been limited.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images(CNN) - This is the golden age of food delivery. The promotion, which let customers order both the regular and Impossible Whopper for $7, was only available through DoorDash. "We have seen very little guest overlap between our own in-app delivery and our third-party delivery partner apps," he added. The holdoutFor Domino's, delivery is a big deal. By outsourcing delivery, food companies are essentially outsourcing their brand management, as well.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - A three-car accident happened Sunday night at the McDonald's drive-thru at 2707 Monument Road. Calls from witnesses came into the newsroom shortly after 6:30 p.m. From photos sent in from viewers, it appears that an SUV hit two other vehicles. The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office was on the scene. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Copyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Plumbing, pests and poor building conditions led to emergency closures for several restaurants in Northeast Florida counties when health inspectors visited last week. VIEW INSPECTION REPORTS: Casa Maria Authentic MexicanIn Alachua County, Kevin's Kitchen has been closed since it failed an inspection last week. During a follow-up inspection, inspectors found the business had removed the closure sign and they issued another high-priority violation. VIEW INSPECTION REPORTS: Gelato Company and Eatery |WATCH: Restaurants get bad news when health inspectors visitIn St. Johns County, the McDonald's on Nature Walk Parkway in St. Augustine closed for a day. VIEW INSPECTION REPORTS: Sonic Drive-InCopyright 2019 by WJXT News4Jax - All rights reserved.

Mario Tama/Getty ImagesLONDON - McDonald's has reportedly admitted that its new paper straws, rolled out last year to help "protect the environment," can't be recycled unlike the plastic versions they replaced. The straws were introduced to all 1,361 McDonald's restaurants in the United Kingdom and Ireland after a trial last year. McDonald's UK and Ireland has not yet responded to CNN's requests for comment. When the firm announced the introduction of paper straws in June 2018, it said the move was "part of wider efforts to protect the environment." The plastic straws previously used could be recycled, but the British government has moved to ban plastic straws by 2020 and encouraged chains to ditch the products.

Chris McGrath/Getty Images(CNN) - McDonald's fast-food outlets are ubiquitous sights around the world, but Italy's culture ministry has banned the chain from building yet another restaurant in the capital, Rome. The proposed restaurant would have been built next to the ancient Baths of Caracalla, but plans were rejected. "Already expressed my opposition to a fast food in the archaeological area of Caracalla Terme," wrote Culture Minister Alberto Bonisoli on Facebook. The Italian capital already has 40 McDonald's restaurants, according to Reuters, with outlets close to famous landmarks such as the Vatican and the Spanish Steps. There are 578 McDonald's restaurants in Italy, trailing only Germany, France and the UK in a ranking of European Countries on statista.com.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images(CNN) - The new look of McDonald's is helping bring people into its restaurants, and its cheap, classic foods are driving sales. Sales at US restaurants open at least 13 months rose 5.7% in the second quarter, McDonald's said Friday. It cited growth in the burger chain's core menu items, along with strength in its two-for-$5 mix and match promotion and its modernized stores. Earlier this year, the company brought international menu items to locations in the United States. In addition to focusing on its core foods and values, McDonald's is using advanced technology to make its restaurants sleeker and attract customers.