McDonald's Denies Using AI for Dynamic Pricing
Fast-food giant states that franchisees, not artificial intelligence, make final pricing decisions.
McDonald's has launched a public relations effort to clarify its use of technology, insisting that artificial intelligence is not used to set menu prices at its approximately 44,000 locations worldwide. The company released a "Separating Fact from Fiction" chart on its website to address what it describes as unfounded claims.
"AI Does Not Set Prices" at McDonald's, a company spokesperson stated, dismissing the accusations as "more sizzle than substance" and a "nothingburger with maybe extra pickles." The fast-food chain asserts that dynamic pricing, which involves tracking individual customer spending habits and their willingness to pay, is "not on the menu at McDonald's. It’s never been on the menu."
According to McDonald's, AI and other tools are utilized to provide franchisees with economic data relevant to their local areas, offering suggestions or recommendations on pricing. However, the company emphasizes that these are merely informational tools. "The tool provides information. People make the final pricing decisions," the chart states. "AI does not set McDonald’s menu prices. Franchisees do."
A McDonald's Big Mac meal.
