While global fast-food giants face economic and consumer challenges, the story in Israel is entirely different. McDonald’s is expanding at a particularly rapid pace in 2025, with plans to open 12 new branches across the country — marking the chain’s largest annual expansion ever in Israel.

Since the beginning of the year, the chain has already opened seven new locations. Five additional branches will soon follow: A kosher McDrive in Ofakim, a branch in Talpiot (Jerusalem), in Ashdod’s Tet-Zain neighborhood, in the town of Ir Ovot in the northern Arava, and at the La Market beachfront center in Rishon Lezion. Additionally, three existing branches are undergoing renovations: Ramat Aviv in Tel Aviv, Pines in Petah Tikva, and Giron in Ashkelon.

Upon completion of this expansion phase, the network will total 233 branches spread nationwide from north to south — placing it among the largest fast-food chains in Israel.

McDonald’s BIG Glilot branch (credit: PR)
McDonald’s BIG Glilot branch (credit: PR)
Focus on BIG Complexes and Peripheral Areas

The branches that opened between January and March this year reveal an interesting trend: Most of them are located in newly opened BIG shopping centers throughout the country. This reflects the chain’s strategy to position itself as an “anchor” tenant in these new commercial hubs.

The latest branch to open was in the BIG Glilot complex, about two weeks ago. This branch stands out with a unique eclectic design that features a variety of textures and partitions made from raw, rustic wooden beams. The decor combines a modern, airy look, including self-service McTouch stations, alongside an 18th-century Chesterfield sofa and iconic chairs from the 1940s.

Other branches opened this year include the new BIG Karmey Gat complex — the second kosher location in Kiryat Gat, the new BIG complex in Or Akiva — complementing the first branch at the Orot Mall, the BIG center in Gedera — now the second branch in the city, and a kosher McDrive in the BIG complex in Migdal Haemek. Additional new McDrive branches have opened in Tamra and Rahat within the SEVEN complex operated by Zim Urban.

Terminal 1 at Ben Gurion Airport also reopened about two months ago, coinciding with the terminal’s reopening to passengers in late March.

A “Sought-After Anchor” in New Complexes

Ohad Ehrenreich, Senior Vice President of Development at McDonald’s Israel, explained the strategy: “The opening of new branches is part of the chain’s growth strategy. McDonald’s branches are a highly sought-after anchor in every new complex that opens, and we are making significant efforts to offer especially broad coverage throughout the country, from north to south.”

Ehrenreich added that in addition to opening new locations, “We are also upgrading and renovating about 10–15 of our existing restaurants. Since the beginning of the year, we have renovated the restaurant in the Grand Mall mall in Haifa, in Em Hamoshavot (Petah Tikva), and more — all to ensure that our customers everywhere can enjoy a pleasant and tasty experience.”