McDonald's to Do More Closings Than Openings This Year

NEW YORK — For the first time in more than 40 years, McDonald's U.S. restaurant count is shrinking, reported the Associated Press. The company plans to close more restaurants than it opens this year, something that hasn't happened since at least 1970.

Although the fast-food giant did not provide specific numbers, the reduction will be "minimal" compared to its total of approximately 14,300 restaurants in the United States, said McDonald's spokeswoman Becca Hary.

The closed stores will include a mix of franchised and company-owned locations, and are part of a strategic review that is intended to set up future growth.

In April, McDonald's announced plans to close 700 underperforming restaurants across the world, including in the U.S.

Still, Oak Brook, Ill.-based McDonald's remains the No. 1 hamburger chain in the country, with more than twice as many restaurants as runner-up Burger King, according to data from Technomic.