McDonald’s to Close 700 Locations Worldwide

For the first time since at least 1970, the total number of McDonald’s restaurants is dwindling, according to the Associated Press. This news follows an April announcement from the fast-food giant detailing plans to close approximately 700 underperforming locations worldwide. McDonald’s spokesperson Becca Hary told the AP that the decrease would be “minimal” in the context of their 14,000-plus locations in the United States. This decrease is more evidence of how Americans increasingly care about what they’re eating, where their food comes from, and managing or preventing diet-related diseases. In the vegan world, meat-free fast-casual restaurants are seeing great success with establishments such as Native Foods, Veggie Grill, Loving Hut, and the much-anticipated Amy’s Drive-Thru expanding and offering healthy items for customers.