McDonald’s pilots third-party ads on drive-through menus
The limited test places brand advertising on digital boards after customers order, as the company explores new revenue amid falling US sales.
McDonald’s is testing third-party advertising on digital menu boards at a limited number of company-owned drive-through restaurants, according to Bloomberg reporting cited by The Verge.
The ads appear after customers place their orders, while they wait for their meals. The brands involved, the pilot’s duration and its geographic scope have not been disclosed. It is also unclear whether the test could extend to franchised locations.
A McDonald’s spokesperson told Bloomberg the pilot is intended to explore “post-purchase content” that customers may find helpful, relevant or interesting. McDonald’s did not immediately respond to The Verge’s request for comment.
The test could create another revenue stream as the company faces falling sales in the US. The pilot remains limited, with no details on whether the advertising will become a permanent feature.
McDonald’s is also advancing its digital initiatives, including the AI-powered ArchIQ assistant. The company recently demonstrated the assistant identifying repeat customers and remembering their orders.
