McDonald's plans to beef up in Asia
BEIJING -McDonald's Corp. (MCD) says it plans to open 1,500 new restaurants in China, South Korea and Hong Kong as it looks to faster-growing markets to help drive a global turnaround.
McDonald's said Thursday it also will give local managers more decision-making power to respond to Asian customers.
McDonald's, based in Oak Brook, Illinois, is overhauling its business under CEO Steve Easterbrook after acknowledging it failed to keep up with changing tastes. The total number of diners visiting its restaurants fell last year.
Easterbrook said in a statement that Asia represents an opportunity to "blend our global quality standards with local insights." He said the new outlets will allow the company to "accelerate our growth" and transform its business.