Robert Johnson

I’m reporting on McDonald’s recently announced NEXT strategy and its multibillion-dollar push to modernize U.S. restaurants. I’m looking for sources with firsthand experience who can explain how technology, equipment, facilities, maintenance, or operational vendors are evaluated and purchased within the McDonald’s franchise system. Especially interested in speaking with: - Current or former McDonald’s restaurant technology, innovation, supplier-management, or operations professionals - Current or former McDonald’s franchisee technology/advisory board participants - McDonald’s franchise owners and multi-unit operators - Facilities, maintenance, IT/restaurant technology, operations, development, or procurement leaders at McDonald’s franchise organizations - Executives, sales/account leaders, implementation teams, or customer-success professionals at technology/equipment/service companies that have sold to McDonald’s corporate or its franchisees Questions will focus on where corporate McDonald’s approval is required vs. where franchise organizations choose vendors themselves; how vendors are evaluated, piloted, and approved; who participates in purchasing decisions; what operators look for when deploying technology across multiple restaurants; and whether NEXT is changing vendor opportunities or priorities. Firsthand experience is strongly preferred. Current McDonald’s employment is not required. Former employees, franchisee-side professionals, and vendors with direct McDonald’s experience are welcome. Sources can speak on the record or provide background where appropriate. Thank you!