McDonald's U.S. sales rise 15 percent

By Josh Fineman
Bloomberg News Service

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's Corp., the world's largest hamburger-restaurant chain, said U.S. sales surged 15 percent in October, the biggest gain in more than five years, as new salads and a Monopoly-game promotion brought in more customers.

Sales at U.S. restaurants open at least 13 months have increased seven consecutive months, after a decline that lasted more than a year.

Chief Executive James Cantalupo has introduced new dishes such as the McGriddle breakfast sandwich to boost demand. In addition, sales were helped by Happy Meals and McDonald's Monopoly game promotion in partnership with Best Buy Co.

"They exceeded my already strong expectations," said Peter Goldman, who helps manage about $1 billion at Chicago Asset Management, including about 644,000 shares in McDonald's. "It's just showing the new menu items are driving repeat business."

Shares of McDonald's rose 3 cents to $26.01 in New York Stock Exchange composite trading. They have gained 62 percent this year.

Cantalupo, who replaced Jack Greenberg as chief executive in January, halted an expansion strategy that franchisees said hurt sales at existing restaurants by shifting McDonald's focus away from quality control.