McDonald's China
McDonald's aims to add 1,500 restaurants in China, Hong Kong and Korea over the next five years.

OAK BROOK, ILL. — McDonald’s Corp. plans to expand its footprint in Asia with the opening of 1,500 more restaurants in China, Hong Kong and Korea over the next five years. The fast-food company, which currently operates more than 2,800 locations in those markets, is seeking strategic partners in key markets throughout Asia who would enhance McDonald’s competitive advantages and resources with local insights and expertise.

Steve Easterbrook, McDonald's
Steve Easterbrook, president and c.e.o. of McDonald's

“This will allow McDonald’s to accelerate our growth and scale faster across diverse markets placing us closer to our customers and the communities we serve,” said Steve Easterbrook, president and chief executive officer. “We’re in the midst of transforming our business and taking a strategic and thoughtful approach to enhance our ability to grow around the world. These actions build on our turnaround efforts and will advance local ownership, enable faster decision-making and achieve restaurant growth.”

China, Hong Kong and Korea are included within McDonald’s High-Growth Markets segment, which includes countries with higher potential for restaurant expansion and franchising. Consistent with its long-term goal of being 95% franchised, McDonald’s also is seeking to identify strategic partners in Taiwan and Japan to unlock further growth opportunity in Asian markets.